Sacred Heart rallies, wins at Clarence
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Sacred Heart's Haley Pickett, far left, looks for an open teammate as Clarence's Megan Rogers and Holly Travis defend in a non-league game last Wednesday at Clarence. The Sharks came back to win 54-49. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Clarence was the better girls basketball team in the first half of its home game with Sacred Heart last Wednesday, but the Sharks picked up its game in the second half to pick up a big 54-49 non-league victory.

"Clarence is a good team," said Sacred Heart coach Sister Maria Pares. "I thought they were excellent. They beat us up and down the court and controlled the boards in the first half. In the second half, everyone on our team stepped up and played tight defense."

Sparking the Sharks, who trailed, 23-16, at halftime, was Alycia Pontello, who led all scorers with 14 points. She also had three rebounds and an assist. Pontello sat out most of the first half after picking up two quick fouls in the first quarter.

"She was awesome at both ends of the court," said Pares.

Sam Arena added eight points, two assists and one rebound. Krystal Watson almost had a double double with eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists.

Natalie Coppola chipped in eight points and three assists and did a great job of running the point, Pares said. Coppola hit two free throws with under two minutes to play to put the Sharks ahead for good.

Katie Lancelotti and Brianna Nemmer each scored 11 points each for Clarence. Megan Rogers added 10.

The Sharks closed out the week with a 52-21 home over Mount St. Mary's last Friday at the Villa Maria Athletic Center. Sacred Heart took a 23-13 lead into halftime.

"It was a good signature game for us," said Pares. "A lot of kids got minutes. It was a total team effort. Everyone came to play."

Ten Sacred Heart players scored, although nobody was in double figures. Pontello and Kacey Bougard each scored nine points. Pontello also grabbed six rebounds. Bougard had three rebounds. Arena added eight points, five rebounds and an assist. Devon Hornung tossed in seven points, hauled in four rebounds and dished two assists.

Nicole Faulise and Jasime Shabazz each had six points to lead the Thunder.

Sacred Heart (13-4, 7-1) does not return to action until Thursday, Jan. 31 when they host Starpoint. Its game at Holy Angels, scheduled for Feb. 1, has moved to Feb. 9 because Angels' renovated gym is not ready.

Sacred Heart is ranked fourth among Western New York large schools.