The LoHud Girls Basketball Blog

Put Valley and the host Huskers advanced to tomorrow’s 5 p.m. championship game, where Yorktown will try to win its home tourney for the first time in a few years.

In the early game, Put Valley rode a huge free throw edge to a 51-46 victory over Lakeland. Lakeland hung in there until the final minute, which is commendable considering its many statistical disadvantages. Put Valley went 21 of 37 from the line, led by Nicole Scott’s 10 of 12, while Lakeland was 5 of 11. Put Valley outrebounded Lakeland 27-11 in the second half, led by Dana Tatnell’s 11 boards.

The only place the Hornets had an edge was the turnover department, but that soon dried up as well. After a rough first half with the ball Put Valley only had three giveaways in the third quarter.

Speaking of disadvantages, how about the fact that star center Tori Jarosz was in sweats for the second game in a row. Lakeland lost both games while allowing 50+ points in both, two things they didn’t do in three games with Jarosz. Vicky Kowalski was their high scorer with 16 points.

Scott (17 points) and Amanda DeChent (16) paced the Tigers.

The day’s second game was anything but close. Yorktown shut Somers out in the first quarter, and held Somers without a field goal until there were 37 seconds left in the half. Needless to say, the host won big, 63-25.

Maggie Natell had 18 points and 11 boards in a game that was over quickly. Somers just couldn’t hit a thing. And got whistled for more travels than I can count. It was strange because the Tuskers had won two in a row.

Those were on the back of senior guard Kelly Casey, who totaled 44 points in the two wins. She was the focus of Yorktown’s D. Boy did it ever work. Casey was held scoreless.

The consolation game is at 1 p.m. today.