In what has become a season full of extreme momentum shifts, the Jordan-Elbridge girls basketball team is again on the upswing.
Through an eight-day span, the Eagles (1) got a big win over Bishop Ludden, (2) fell victim at home to the 39-point effort of Solvay’s Tessa Pucello and (3) reclaimed its confidence with Tuesday night’s 55-38 win over Marcellus.
J-E lost to Marcellus back on Jan. 5, but the rematch was far different, largely due to the remarkable performances from Molly Hourigan and Liz Caspari.
Hourigan simply dominated in the paint. Aside from scoring 14 points, Hourigan shut down large aspects of the Mustangs’ offense through a career-best 13 blocks, and pulled down 17 rebounds to finish off a triple-double.
Meanwhile, Caspari, known for modest offensive numbers, connected on a series of shots and eight free throws, adding up to a season-best 22 points.
Combined, Hourigan and Caspari helped J-E outscore Marcellus in every single period, and Hourigan negated the presence of Melissa Lee, holding her to just six points and one field goal. Emily Brissette led the Mustangs with 13 points, while Marie Temara had 12 points. Kali Davis contributed seven points to J-E’s cause.
The Eagles (12-5) then went to Skaneateles Thursday and beat the Lakers 55-35, using a 16-4 run at the start to gain control and nursing that margin the rest of the way.
Davis stepped up for 16 points, just ahead of Hourigan, who had 15 points. Caspari gained nine points as Natalie Andrianos earned eight points and Erin McLaughlin added six points.
