If there was ever any doubt on whether or not Emmaus could keep up the momentum from an outstanding regular season, the Hornets quickly answered that question with an emphatic yes last night in the opening-round of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference playoffs.
Earning the No. 1 overall seed with a perfect 16-0 league mark, head coach Avon Mack’s team went full throttle from the opening whistle, using a 19-0 first quarter run to blitz eighth-seeded Central Catholic 54-35 before a near-capacity crowd at home at the friendly-confines of ‘The Hive.’
The win was the 19th straight for Emmaus, which moves to 22-1 and a semifinal date on Monday at 8 p.m. at the PPL Center opposite rival Parkland, who similarly had no trouble in a 30-point rout of Stroudsburg, 58-28.
It was also the third time this season that the Hornets have defeated the Vikettes after winning the two previous meetings.
This time, however, Emmaus made sure to put CCHS away early after the two teams played to a five-point game (53-48) in the same venue just 2 1/2 weeks ago.
“Step 1 is complete and now it’s on to Step 2,” said a pleased Mack. the Hornets first year coach following the game. “The fire that we had in first 3 1/2 minutes of the game, I know we can do that for a whole game.
“I’m just super proud of the way the ladies came out tonight. They came out with purpose, playing for one another and you saw that as we got out to a big early lead.”
Emmaus led 21-4 after the first quarter forcing 10 CCHS turnovers. They still led comfortably at the half (33-17) and then built the advantage to 21 points after three quarters.
Junior Gabby DeVita, a top candidate for MVP in the EPC, continued her torrid scoring streak as she reached double figures for the 13th consecutive game, tallying 11 points in each half and finishing with a game-high 22 to lead the Hornets. For her efforts, DeVita was named the Player of the Game on the Eastern Pa. Sports Network’s LIVE broadcast.
“She puts the work in,” said Mack of DeVita who has now scored 841 points in her career at Emmaus. “She shows up at practice with a purpose. She works on her game, and she is always prepared for the moment.
“She’s just a special talent. I’m lucky to have No. 4 on our team.”
DeVita wound up the only player in double figures for Emmaus. Senior Cassie Doemling added seven points, and junior Olive Whitney came off the bench to also add seven in the win. Senior Emma Naccarato also provided a spark, adding five points to go along with taking two charges on the defensive end.
CCHS, which had its three-game win streak snapped, was led in scoring by senior Milly Wolf who had a team-high 11 points, Juniors Shamiya Roberts and Morgan Seagreaves each added eight for the Vikettes, who dropped to 12-10 overall. CCHS was hurt by 21 turnovers in the game, including 10 in the first quarter.
Neither team shot particularly well from the free-throw line in the game with Emmaus just 54 percent (7 of 13) compared to CCHS 47 percent (8 of 17).
Up next for the Hornets will be a third meeting against Parkland with a trip to the finals on the line. Emmaus has already beaten the Trojans twice during the regular-season, 42-36 and 53-49. LIVE coverage of the game will be provided by the Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning with the pre-game show at 7:45 p.m.
For the most complete coverage of Emmaus sports, follow on ‘X’ and like Emmaus sports on facebook.
Emmaus 54, CCHS 35
CC – Aveline Bubnis 0, Shamiya Roberts 2 2-4 8, Annika Spinosa 0 0-2 0, Morgan Seagreaves 3 2-2 8, Milly Wolf 4 2-6 11, Subs: Claire Seagreaves 1 2-2 4, Tatum Kofroth 0, Skylar Taylor 2 0-1 4, Gabby East 0, Alyssa Hursh 0. Totals: FG 12, FT 8-17, 3s (3 – Roberts 2, Wolf)
Em – Kayla Snyder 2 0-0 5, Gabby DeVita 9 0-0 22, Sylvia Sokolofksi 2 2-4 6, Sofie Laird 1 0-1 2, Cassie Doemling 2 3-4 7, Subs: Olive Whitney 2 1-2 7, Emma Naccarato 2 1-2 5, Sierra Stevens 0. Totals: FG 20, FT 7-13, 3s (7 – DeVita 4, Whitney 2, Snyder)
CC – 4-13-4-14 – 35
Em – 21-12-9-12 – 54