Young and in a continual learning process, the Baldwinsville girls basketball team tried to gain something out of last week’s trip to the Vince Celi Memorial Tournament at East Syracuse-Minoa High School — and would do so by the end.
In the opening round, B’ville met Class A contender Whitesboro and hung close for two periods before the Warriors got away to beat the Bees 62-33.
B’ville trailed, 16-7, after one period, but a zone defense led to some turnovers and baskets on the other end as the Bees closed within four, 26-22, by halftime.
All of it fell apart in the third period, though, as Whitesboro went on a 21-3 run. Betsy Gadziala (18 points), Meghan Lewis and Francesca Cotrupe (10 points each) led the Warriors’ charge.
For its part, the Bees saw freshman Maggie Monnat have a fine showing with 15 points, while Claire Monnat added six points.
A day later, B’ville faced Onondaga in the consolation game, the Tigers having lost to host ESM 52-36 in the other first-round contest.
Thanks to a near-perfect start, the Bees seized immediate control and did not let go until it had earned a 51-41 victory.
All OCS managed in the first quarter was a single free throw, as B’ville’s relentless defensive pressure kept the Tigers from any field goals.
Meanwhile, the Bees zoomed to a 15-1 lead, the margin ultimately reaching 31-12 by halftime before it cooled off in the late going.
Lauren Brower, quiet in the Whitesboro game, picked up 16 points this time around, as she and Claire Monnat (13 points) both set new career marks. Lauren McVey had eight points, with Maggie Monnat adding seven points.
B’ville took a 3-5 record into the new year, with its first game in that calendar set for Thursday against Central Square.
