Gateway’s Caroline Boothe (3) looks for an opening against Smith Academy. (Photo by Chris Putz)
HUNTINGTON – The Gateway High School girls’ basketball team hit a bit of a stumbling block Thursday night, falling to Smith Academy 39-23. Both teams entered the game with identical 6-8 records.
Kate Yagodzinski finished with a game-high 15 points, and three others – Jenn Adamites, Ashley Higgins, and Liv Cavanaugh – scored seven apiece to lead Smith Academy.
Gateway’s Chelsi Derrig had more than half her team’s total points (12). The Gators were just 9-of-54 from the floor.
“It’s the same problem that has plagued us all year,” Gateway coach Eli Robbins said. “The ability to score on a consistent basis has been our Achilles’ heel all year.”
Gateway fell behind by double digits in the first half, and trailed at the half 24-11. The Gators cut the Smith lead to 11 twice in the third quarter.
Ariell Baillargeon converted a 2-pointer in the opening minutes of the second half after nearly a half-dozen Gateway shots on the possession. Jessie Walton’s 2 with 3:56 remaining in the quarter brought the Gators within 26-15.
Gateway closed out the quarter with a sensational series. Derrig became the recipient of the ball after a couple of tip-saves kept it in bounds, and knocked down a buzzer-beater.
Gateway climbed to within 11 points of a tie again, following two free throws from Alyssa Moreau, and another from Derrig. Smith, fueled by a momentum-killing Yagodzinski 3, went on a 7-0 run to pull away.
“Some nights we’re making shots, some we’re not,” coach Robbins said. “(In our six wins), shots were going in. That’s the only real difference.”
Gateway is now faced with an uphill climb to reach the postseason. The Gators must win four of their final five games, or finish first or second in league play to earn a Division 3 tournament berth.
“I think we’re still got a real good chance (to make the playoffs),” Robbins said.
The schedule is in Gateway’s favor down the stretch. The Gators play three of their final four league games at home. Two of those games include teams they have already beaten, Sci-Tech and Putnam.
