Seton Catholic edges past Shadow Mountain to remain undefeated
Seton Catholic remains undefeated on the season, defeating Shadow Mountain 61-56 in a battle. It’s the first loss of the season for Shadow Mountain, but the Matadors battled the entire night and never once gave up. The game had a…
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Continue ReadingSeton Catholic remains undefeated on the season, defeating Shadow Mountain 61-56 in a battle. It’s the first loss of the season for Shadow Mountain, but the Matadors battled the entire night and never once gave up. The game had a buzz surrounding it that normally is felt during the playoffs, so getting to play in an atmosphere like that so early in the season is huge.
Seton Catholic was able to jump out to an early 24-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks to an explosive start from sophomore Lexi McNabb and junior Bella DiGiovanni.
Seton Catholic jumps out to an early 10-2 lead with this 3 from @bella_digi21! Her second 3 of the night in less than 3 minutes @PGHArizona pic.twitter.com/n0z5OtRaDG
— Brittany Bowyer (@LittWithBritt) December 11, 2019
That huge lead didn’t hang around for long, though, as Shadow Mountain finally was able to find its stride in the second quarter, largely lead by seniors Dyamond Butler-Worley and Senya Rabouin.
.@ButlerDyamond not only gets the rebound but also makes the next shot and draws the foul. Shadow Mountain chopping away at Seton Catholic’s lead here @PGHArizona pic.twitter.com/CCbLcheiHb
— Brittany Bowyer (@LittWithBritt) December 11, 2019
The Matadors were able to cut the Sentinels’ lead to only eight points, which was both because of an offensive surge and a huge improvement by the defense. Defensively, the Matadors allowed the Sentinels to score only 12 points in the second quarter, while the offense was able to put up 21.
Coming back out for the second half, Shadow Mountain continued to chop away at Seton Catholic’s lead from earlier in the game and was able to bring the game within two. It was like a game of cat and mouse, though, because every time Shadow Mountain would score, so would Seton Catholic.
In the third quarter, Seton Catholic saw large contributions from freshman Amelie Cartagena and juniors Annemarie Trojanovich and Amanda Barcello. Cartagena hit two clutch three-pointers in the third to help contribute for the team, while Trojanovich had a three of her own in the third. Meanwhile, Barcello was able to create plays by forcing turnovers and getting the steal. Barcello also had eight points on the night, two of them in each quarter.
Nice 3 for freshman Amelie Cartagena to put Seton Catholic up 41-34 @PGHArizona pic.twitter.com/fR9aXuQEeM
— Brittany Bowyer (@LittWithBritt) December 11, 2019
It all came down to about the final five minutes of the game, though, where both teams turned up the intensity. Shadow Mountain was able to take the lead at one point, but that lead didn’t last for long. Seton Catholic rallied, with a critical moment coming with just over a minute remaining. After Barcello got the steal, she passed the ball to Sophomore Sasha Daniel, who then passed it to Sophomore Lee Lee Willis. Willis took the ball to the hoop and not only got the bucket, but also drew the foul and hit the free throw, giving her team a four-point lead.
Hits the bucket AND draws the foul. @Leeairawillis23 gives Seton Catholic a 58-54 lead with 1:09 left in the game @PGHArizona pic.twitter.com/fFR3UHKOi9
— Brittany Bowyer (@LittWithBritt) December 11, 2019
There was no lack of excitement in this game at all. The two teams will likely meet again in the playoffs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s in the state championship game. Keep an eye on both of these teams as the season progresses. Both are stacked with talent and are sure to continue growing and improving as the season unfolds.