Rosary upends Neuqua Valley at Oswego tournament
Sometimes Neuqua Valley wants to win so badly that things start to go wrong.
At least that was the evaluation by the Wildcats girls basketball coach Mike Williams, after a second consecutive loss Monday at the Oswego Holiday Classic.
The Wildcats' record fell to 1-9 after they dropped a 66-49 decision to Rosary in a physical contest that was loaded with fouls and turnovers.
But as they have so many times this season, the Wildcats at times looked every bit the equal of their opponent, as they battled the taller Royals on the boards and got the more experienced team out of its rhythm.
"In the first half we looked like we could play with anybody," Williams said. "But in the second half we lost our composure and that's the sign of a team struggling to find a win. We got too physical. We missed foul shots. We passed and shot too quickly. The girls want to win so badly that they trying too hard. We were up and down too much tonight. That epitomizes our season."
In the second period, the Wildcats fell behind 21-13, but then battled back and had a chance to go ahead but they missed a couple of foul shots and the Royals (10-3) ended the half on a high note and a 32-27 lead.
With two minutes to go in the third quarter, Neuqua was down 6 but still very much in the game, and again it was the Royals who closed out the period on a short offensive burst and a 44-34 lead.
Rosary pulled away in a frantic fourth quarter.
"It was a fast-paced game and it was exciting," said Stephanie Haugen, who led the Royals with 19 points. "Sometimes we get lured into playing the other team's game. But, tonight we stayed confident, played aggressively and won. We didn't let the fact that they came back at times get into our heads."
Katie Petrando scored 18 and Breann Maryanski, added 9 and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds.
"Breann has been stepping up for us," said Rosary coach Dave Beebe, "When the defense keys on certain players, she steps up and does the job."
Beebe was impressed by Neuqua Valley's effort.
"They matched us in the first half," Beebe said. "They shot well and they played up to our intensity. If they're 1-9, they're the best 1-9 team in the state."
Williams appreciated the compliment, but would be much happier for his players if the Wildcats could put together an entire positive performance and come out with a few wins.
"If you get some wins, you start to think positive," Williams said. "We have to find a rhythm and we need someone who's going to bring us together and help us stay together and keep our composure."
He's looking for veterans such as McKenzie Hughes, Jenna Marsalli and Bria Williams to work together to fill those roles.
Taylor Francesconi led the Wildcats scoring on Monday with 15 and Hughes added 10.