RECAP >> With just four games left in the regular-season, Kelsey Gallagher knows that there has to be a sense of urgency with her team.
Riding a five-game losing streak and having dropped six of their last seven games, Emmaus’ sixth-year head coach is fully aware of what’s on the line in trying to stay in the hunt for an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference berth and clinching a spot in districts.
But it’s not something she has to remind her team about.
“I don’t ever talk about it too much with the girls, especially leading up to a game because that’s unwanted stress and they already have enough stress to begin with as they step on the floor,” said Gallagher. “I’m sure it’s been in the back of their minds as it’s been in mind for the last five games but I think there was urgency to get back on track.
“Tonight we came out blazing and not just scoring but sharing the basketball and getting stops on the defensive end. It was just an all-around, really good team win that honestly we needed.”
No argument there.
And now, the Hornets are headed back to the post-season for the third straight year.
Emmaus raced out to a quick 14-0 lead in last night’s game at home against Whitehall and never looked back as they got back on the winning track with a 57-21 rout of the Zephyrs on Middle School Night at ‘The Hive.”
The game was carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network and sponsored by the Emmaus 3-Point Club, Allstate Insurance agent Greg Griffith and Bankers Life agent Ron De Vita.
The victory was the second over Whitehall this season for the Hornets who improved to 8-5 in the EPC and 11-8 overall.
In the win, Emmaus had a balanced offensive attack with all five starters scoring at least seven points.
Senior Paige Inman led all scorers with a game-high 15 points. Junior Taylor Griffith had three 3-pointers and finished with 10, freshman Gabby De Vita and junior Mya Cooper each added nine and sophomore Cassandra Doemling seven.
“Not having an outcome in last the last five games that we wanted and to respond like this back on our home court is huge for us,” admitted Gallagher. “It’s huge for our confidence as we finish out the season. I’m super proud with the approach and the focus our girls had today.”
Whitehall (5-8 EPC/6-12 overall) was led in scoring by senior Ciara Rogers who had nine points. The Zephyrs were hurt by 25 turnovers in the game.
Emmaus will be back in action at 7 p.m. on Tuesday as they host Allen on senior night.
To stay up to date on Emmaus sports follow @Emmaussports.com on Twitter and like Emmaus sports on facebook.
Emmaus 57, Whitehall 21
Wh – 4-9-6-2 – 21
Em – 16-10-22-9 – 57
Wh – Morgan Dunbar 1 0-0 2, Bella Fonzone 1 0-2 2, Nya Brown 2 0-0 4, Ciara Rodgers 3 2-3 9, Jade Alvarez 0 2-2 2, Madison Pagan 0 0-0 0, Sophia Mrazik 0 0-0 0, Aryanna Donlon 0 0-0 0, Charlotte Bynoe 1 0-0 2. Totals: FG 8, FT 4-7, 3s – 1 (Rodgers)
Em – Paige Inman 6 1-1 15, Gabby De Vita 3 3-5 9, Taylor Griffith 3 1-2 10, Mya Cooper 3 2-2 9, Cassandra Doemling 2 3-4 7, Julia Adams 1 0-0 2, Olive Whitney 0 0-0 0, Sofie Laird 2 0-0 5, Emma Klinedinst 0 0-0 0, Kaitlyn Dill 0 0-0 0, Emma Naccarato 0 0-0 0, Sierra Stevens 0 0-0 0. Totals: FG 20, FT 10-14, 3s – 7 (Griffith 3, Inman 2, Cooper, Laird)