Southwick’s Annette St. Jacques (2) shoots over a Blue Devil defender. (MARC ST. ONGE/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
By Bob Eak
Correspondent
SOUTHWICK – Southwick Regional and Northampton squared off in a high school girls basketball game Wednesday evening. The visiting Blue Devils upended the host Rams, 57-21.
Southwick announced its presence from the start but Northampton quickly put its stamp on the court in dramatic fashion. The Rams recorded a big defensive stop on the first Northampton possession to begin the game.
Southwick’s Emily Hanifan started off the scoring after the stop with a free throw after being fouled, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead. Northampton then scored 14 unanswered points to end the first quarter and begin the second. The Blue Devils led after one period 11-1.
Northampton dominated the remainder of the first half with the use of its relentless man-to-man defense, forcing Southwick into numerous turnovers. The Rams were also faced with a Northampton full court press after every Blue Devils bucket.
Southwick regrouped a bit in the second quarter, scoring eight points. Four Rams players were able to score before the half.
At the half, Northampton led 29-9. It was clear Southwick was outmanned, both offensively and on defense.
After the half, both teams traded baskets. Northampton then went on another run, scoring the next 16 points. Southwick added a free throw to end the third quarter. The Blue Devils securely held the lead, 49-12, at that point.
Southwick played with determination and heart despite the lopsided score. The Rams were able to outscore the visitors in the fourth quarter 9-7 by playing hard to the final buzzer.
Hanifan led Southwick with seven points. Malleigh McGivney chipped in four. Maeve Turmel and Brielle Ensign each added three with Ensign hitting Southwick’s only 3-pointer.
Northampton had three players finish with double digit scores. Rams freshman Ava Azzaro led all scorers with 17, Riley Allen had 11, and Chloe Denhart, 10. The Blue Devils improved to 2-1; Southwick fell to 2-2.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Rams post sweeping victory
Southwick def. Sabis, 25-11, 25-11, 25-14
Kaitlyn Haseltine (6 aces, 1 kill, 6 assists), Aniya Kamara (3 aces, 6 kills, 3 digs), and Alexandra Methe (1 ace, 1 kill, 5 digs) helped pave the way for a Southwick victory.
