ANDOVER — There wasn’t a seat available inside Dunne Gymnasium some quarter-hour earlier than the Andover and North Andover ladies tipped off for the fourth time this season, this time with a spot within the Division 1 semifinals on the road.
And befitting of the 2 rivals, for the fourth time in as many video games, the end result wasn’t determined till the ultimate seconds.
Despite a virtually superhuman effort from Hannah Martin, who scored a game-high 24 factors for the guests, it was the top-seeded Golden Warriors (24-0) who made simply sufficient performs down the stretch to drag out a 50-43 win to stay unbeaten and earn a date with Wachusett within the semifinals.
“Man, do I have so much respect for Hannah, Jackie (Rogers) and everyone on that team,” Andover coach Alan Hibino mentioned. “To go against them four times in one season is such a challenge. This was a classic MVC basketball game between two heavyweights.”
There was nothing separating the groups for many of the sport aside from a two-minute stretch at the start of the second quarter when Michaela Buckley and Ella Vidoni mixed for 3 straight three-pointers that turned a one-point North Andover (16-7) lead into an eight-point deficit, one they needed to chase the remainder of the evening.
Martin’s driving layup within the remaining seconds of the half and a 3 by her to start the third quarter reduce the result in two at 27-25. From there it was a seesaw battle the remainder of the sport.
Amelia Hanscom, who led Andover with 17, and Buckley (14 factors) helped the Golden Warriors take a 36-31 result in the fourth.
“With the team we have, when one person scores, it seems like everyone can,” Hibino mentioned.
Andover pushed its result in 9 twice early within the fourth however Martin and Sydney Rogers weren’t able to throw within the towel for North Andover as they led an 8-2 run that reduce the hole to 5 and with the ball and an opportunity to get nearer.
But a steal from Hanscom and a layup by Buckley made it 46-39.
From there, North Andover received as shut as 46-43 with :11.7 left on the final of Martin’s factors however two free throws from Emma Foley and Hanscom within the remaining seconds lastly allowed Andover followers to exhale.
Source: www.bostonherald.com