Former Baby Bomber Mitch Hilligoss (pictured right) has responded well to his new organization this summer.

Trades are part of sports. For many observers, it’s a different world compared to the one players live in. One in which they’re constantly on the move and don’t know if they’re coming or going.

Take former Staten Island Yankee Mitch Hilligoss, who in 2007 had an outstanding season with Single-A Charleston that featured a new South Atlantic record 38-game hit streak, All-Star MVP and honors while emerging in the Yankee organization. In fact, he was nearly packaged to the Twins in a deal that would’ve sent Johan Santana to the Bronx. Instead, the 25 year-old Windsor Illinois native the Yanks tabbed in 2006 sixth round slumped- struggling in Tampa to show the form that made the third baseman a hot commodity.

Eventually, Hilligoss fell out of favor in the organization and was finally traded this past winter to the Rangers for Triple-A outfielder Greg Golson. Thus far, the scenery change has sparked the former Purdue standout who finally moved up from A to Double-A. After hitting .293 with two homers, 19 RBI’s and a .352 on-base percentage in 45 games with Bakersfield of the California League, he was promoted to the Frisco Roughriders where the ex-Baby Bomber continued to display solid form before an injury sidelined him earlier this month.

At the time, Hilligoss hadn’t slowed down- hitting .304 (24-for-79) with five extra base hits (four doubles, triple), 10 RBI’s and 11 runs scored in 24 games, also posting a .391 OBP. On the mend, he took time out to discuss what it’s been like with his new organization along with life out West compared to home.

Hitting Back: What was your reaction to getting traded?

Mitch Hilligoss: My initial reaction was just total shock, but excitement. I was coming off the injury and really two down years. It was the farthest thing from my mind. When it sank in though, I started thinking about all of the guys I played with and really having to start over with meeting everyone from coaches, instructors, to teammates.

HB: Joining a new organization, how much did the change motivate you?

MH: A lot. I looked at it as a total positive. I assumed I would be able to come in and get a chance to prove myself for this season.

HB: You’ve had better success thus far. What do you attribute it to?

MH: Well, I’m getting consistent playing time unlike last year. But over the last two winters, I’ve made big adjustments to my swing in hopes that it will produce at higher levels.

HB: Talk about making the jump to Double-A. Any differences?

MH: It’s great. Unbelievable ballparks and there are actually fans again. Probably the biggest difference is top to bottom the pitching is better. There is better starting pitching, but definitely better bullpens. Guys run it up there at that level without a doubt.

HB: You recently had a setback. How close are you to returning?

MH: We really don’t know how serious it is. It’s one of those things that takes time and if something is needed to fix it, I’ll be ready for next year.

HB: How have your new teammates/managers helped in the transition?

MH: They have all been great. I have learned so much from all of them. This is a great organization, as are the Yankees. They both have so much talent and great staffs. I learned a lot by playing with some of the older guys in Spring training and during the season.

HB: You noted that there have been a lot of good road trips. What stands out?

MH: Well, the one that stands out is a twelve game road trip with three 4 game series, 8 hour drives in between and no off days. That was tough. I don’t care how experienced or how tough you are. That works on you. We played great, clinched the first half and started the second on a tear. So, you can’t complain about it.

HB: You played a little first last year. How did it go?

MH: First is harder than most people think, but it went well. It just makes me a better baseball player being able to play more positions with familiarity.

HB: Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?

MH: Of course. You know those guys are what make the minor leagues. I talk to a ton of guys. They are like family. We talk about good times and bad. I’m going to a couple of weddings this year and am excited to see everyone.

HB: When you see some of the success a few have had, does it serve as extra incentive?

MH: Sure. I mean you want to be at their level, no doubt. You always think you can play with anybody. And if you don’t, you are not a competitor. I’m happy for those guys, but it still drives a person.

HB: Talk about how different life is back home. More laid back?

MH: I’m from a really small town and I love it. It’s a great place to get away to in the off season. I enjoy the slow pace and no stoplights or traffic. That’s how I was raised and what I will probably always want to go back to. At the same time, I love some of the places I’ve had the advantage of playing at. The Charleston, SC and Frisco, TX. Both are beautiful and I could live there.

HB: When away from the ballpark, what do you do to clear your head?

MH: I love to hang with the guys, catch a good movie, and get my rest. It’s a grueling season and down time is important. The offseason is working on the farm, hanging out with friends and family, and deer hunting.

HB: How have the fans been?

MH: Fans are great. The last few places I’ve been have been to were tough because there is really not many. Like Bakersfield and Tampa. They are what get you going day in and day out. Even when you don’t feel your best, they give you energy.

HB: What’s in your Ipod?

MH: My Ipod is full of country. I’m big on Eric Church and have been for awhile. [Seth] Fortenberry actually introduced me to Texas country. So I’ve been listening to quite a bit of that. Bands like Randy Rogers and Eli Young.

HB: Favorite movies/quotes.

MH: I love history. So I like war movies. I’m a big fan of Varsity Blues too. As far as quotes, none really stick out. I have a couple mentioned on Facebook and I like what those mean.

Later today, the final hoops game of the Berkeley Carroll season takes place when coach Morgan Sevigny’s Lady Lions take on Martin Luther for the PSAA championship.

In what’s been a chaotic winter, fittingly it’s a makeup with the game originally slated for last Thursday at Long Island Lutheran. Due to another snowstorm that dumped over a foot of the white stuff in the metro area, instead it will be played at top seed Martin Luther’s gym at 4 PM this afternoon. They met once back on 1/22 with ML prevailing in the same building. But that was then. Now, it’s all on the line.

Can Sevigny’s five starters who all return next year upset the No.1 seed in enemy territory? They’ll need a big game from leading scorer Keyanka Bailey and good shooting days from Tess Salvatore and Sarah Paller. Defensive stopper Olivia Wilson and first-year starter Morgo Miller have contributed all season on both ends. It’ll take a yeoman effort defensively along with good execution in the halfcourt set.

Berkeley Carroll will need to be extremely disciplined staying out of foul trouble and limiting turnovers. Sevigny and assistant Manny will be limited in their options off the bench. If needed, Gianni LaTange could see some important minutes. However, it will largely depend on how well the starters handle the pressure. Are they up to the enviable task?

The dream is alive for at least one Berkeley Carroll basketball team. Earlier today, the Lady Lions avenged a prior loss by coming away with a 41-22 PSAA semifinal win over Evangel Christian at the Queens school- advancing to the league final Thursday against Long Island Lutheran Martin Luther.

Second year coach Morgan Sevigny’s BC squad got a balanced attack with leading scorer Keyanka Bailey paving the way with a game high 20. Point guard Tess Salvatore had 11 while teammates Olivia Wilson (7 Pts) and Sarah Paller (3 Pts) also hit the score sheet.

It was the Lady Lions’ eighth win of the season. They’ll aim for elusive No.9 against a tough opponent over in enemy territory with tip off at 4 PM at Glen Head, New York.

PARK SLOPE, BK-Perhaps playing the same team twice wasn’t a good omen for the Berkeley Carroll JV Lions. Especially when it came four days apart in the form of ACIS rival St. Ann’s, who ended their season yesterday posting a 39-36 quarterfinal win at the Athletic Center in The Slope.

With first-year coach Carmine Giovino back on the sideline, his players appeared elsewhere at the start. After previously holding off St. Ann’s last week to gain home court advantage, the Lions came out lethargic while their crisper opponent built an 11-point opening quarter lead. In fact, they blanked them by executing perfectly.

Even with their best player in early foul trouble following an early hoop from in close, others picked up the slack with four different players contributing. Moving the ball well and able to get open looks, the visitors made BC pay the price. They also did it defensively really forcing the Lions to the perimeter. Part of the issue may have been due to nerves with the Brooklyn hosts stagnant on offense- forcing too many quick shots which played right into St. Ann’s hands.

After they stretched the lead to eight, Giovino used a timeout trying to settle down his club. The good news is they only allowed three points. The bad was t they didn’t break the shutout, ending the forgettable quarter with a goose egg. While they walked back to the bench mystified, every St. Ann’s player were up cheering with the leader pointing out the obvious:

“We shut them out.“

Even more support from a couple of Varsity girls who play their PSAA playoff semifinal later today at Evangel Christian couldn’t shake the young Lions out of the doldrums. Despite a better start to the second quarter that featured four in a row thanks to a nice Mike Andria finish and an offensive Dondre Benson put back, Berkeley Carroll couldn’t sustain it scoring only five more for nine points at halftime.

Getting timely perimeter shooting including a couple of three-point daggers, St. Ann’s turned it around outscoring BC 14-5 to take a commanding 16-point cushion into intermission.

While the much happier road team stayed on the court, a fiery Giovino laid into his guys downstairs, urging them to play with more intensity. The plea worked as a different bunch of Lions showed, finally pushing back against the guests. Playing much more aggressively on both ends, they immediately got the first four cutting the deficit to a cool dozen. Benson was more assertive offensively and every BC player guarded with intensity, scrapping for every loose ball which led to turnovers. In particular, Andria was a beast getting the uniform dirty. His sheer determination resulted in steals, firing up the bench.

Giovino also inserted both Anthony Spina and Will Perry, who each provided sparks with Perry committing at least half a dozen thefts and Spina picking up the offensive slack with a few big hoops that got BC within single digits. Max Jens also came off the bench and scored immediately, generating enthusiasm.

The Lions’ relentless style helped rack up fouls. However, a key reason their comeback bid fell short was that they didn’t take advantage, missing on 13 of 17 free throws. Ultimately, falling behind by as much as 18 along with the clanks doomed them. They had a few three-point play opportunities but never converted.

St. Ann’s got a huge bucket in the closing seconds of the third off a broken play. Milo Ben Amotz came up with a steal but the Lions handed it right back, paying when the visitors’ best outside threat drained a long two increasing the margin to 29-19 with one quarter left.

Berkeley Carroll continued to force their suddenly shaky foe into mistakes. Despite that, they could only shave two points off staying within range. Going a little cold, it looked like the end was near. But a full court press paid dividends with the Lions scoring quickly to get within 35-30 with under two minutes to play. In the double bonus, they used one of two Andria freebies and a Benson put back to make it 37-33 with under a minute to go.

With a crowd that also included prepping varsity baseball players and a few varsity boys hoops as well, they forced another miscue, getting the ball back with 37.5 ticks remaining. But after a St. Ann’s timeout, Benson forced a prayer that turned it back over. Forced to foul, they put the guests’ center at the line. Even with a few silly girls trying to distract him, he coolly sank a pair for 39-33.

Following another wild miss, Ben Amotz fouled one last time with 3.2 left. After two misses, they got the ball to Spina, whose 25-footer swished at the buzzer for the disappointing final score. One they’d rather forget until next Fall.

Note: The girls varsity visits Evangel Christian, who edged them in the only meeting at Park Slope 35-33. Coach Morgan Sevigny’s crew were shorthanded, minus leading scorer Keyanka Bailey, who’ll be a go tomorrow with tipoff at the Queens school’s gym set for 3:45 PM. If they advance, the PSAA championship is Thursday.

While T-Mac scored big in his Knick debut, Eddie House impressed as well.

Of the moves Donnie Walsh pulled off at Thursday’s deadline, the one we liked the most was moving headache Nate Robinson to Beantown for sharp shooter Eddie House in a five player deal that also included a conditional second round pick. Previously, we had it as a No.1. Our sincere apologies.

Reuniting with former Suns’ coach Mike D’Antoni, the 31 year-old vet didn’t miss a beat, pumping home a season high 24 points in his trademark role off the bench. While bigger pickup Tracy McGrady wowed the Garden with 19 of 26 in a splendid first half, all Fast Eddie did was go an efficient 8-of-14 from the floor bombing away from the outside. That included four from downtown with the well traveled Berkeley, California native using his quick release to hurt the Thunder. One instance saw him sink an off balance jumper inside the key.

Smooth stuff from a player on his ninth different team over 10 years. Something MSG hoop analyst Walt “Clyde” Frazier couldn’t figure out why. Neither can we. No matter what uniform he puts on, House provides a reliable perimeter threat who’s not afraid to take the big shot. In a league where accurate outside shooting ain’t what it used to be, the career 39.5 three-point bomber (41.3 overall) is a nice commodity. He drained some big shots during the Celtics’ run to the title two years ago.

Most admirable is he’s a pro who gets the job done. Fans shouldn’t expect him to see as much PT as last night’s 36-plus- also a season best. However, he certainly showed off the whole repertoire even making a perfect dish to a cutting T-Mac for an easy lay-in during crunch time. The man also was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line. Something not uncommon for a consistent shooter.

Knick fans will enjoy McGrady as evidenced by the “We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac, We Want T-Mac” chants when the 29 year-old All-Star didn’t go much down the stretch due to having no legs. An honest answer from a prideful player hoping to salvage his career. Hopefully, it has a happy ending. If it works out, great. Hopefully, T-Mac stays and lures a max player or two to the biggest stage.

Fast Eddie should come along for the ride.

PARK SLOPE, BK-It ended well for the Berkeley Carroll Lady Lions, who posted a 37-15 win over LREI in their home finale at the Athletic Center in Park Slope Friday afternoon. Originally slated for last Wednesday, the blizzard which dumped over a foot of snow forced them to reschedule.

A day removed from a tough 12-point loss to Dwight, Coach Morgan Sevigny’s club rebounded for their seventh win, concluding the regular portion of the season on a high note. Ironically, BC played the role of Dwight using experience to overwhelm a younger opponent. That they’re young themselves with everyone expected back next Fall speaks highly of the program’s future.

All five starters got on the score sheet with junior Keyanka Bailey pacing everyone with 11. The school’s top scorer led a balanced attack that included nine apiece from Tess Salvatore and Sarah Paller while sidekicks Morgo Miller (6 Pts) and Olivia Wilson (2 Pts) contributed as well.

Though they were clearly superior, Berkeley Carroll still had to overcome a three minute first quarter lull. After getting out quickly, they allowed LREI to run off six straight falling behind 8-7 with a minute left. But before the quarter ended, Bailey scored four in a row including a steal and coast to coast finish prior to the buzzer.

From there, it was smooth sailing for the Brooklyn hosts who after permitting four hoops in the opening eight, gave up only three the rest of the way. In fact, they outscored Little Red School 30-7 after trailing just once. Afterwards, Sevigny duly noted how sometimes, teams play down to opponents. Bailey’s timely hoops helped stem the tide as the Lady Lions executed better to cruise.

Playing tenacious defense, BC forced their bewildered foe into quite a few turnovers. In a second quarter which they outscored LREI 8-3, the Varsity girls passed the challenge, moving the ball efficiently. Miller hit a couple of open baseline jumpers as they took a 19-11 lead into the break.

They got even better in a dominant third, getting the first half dozen to open up a 14-point cushion. Berkeley Carroll used their strength inside to hurt the mid-Manhattan school on the boards. Particularly, Bailey who had her way. Wilson also did a solid job scoring her deuce on a putback while recording a few steals on the opoosite end.

Paller got most of her points in the second half, draining a three along with two buckets plus one of two from the line in the late going. Salvatore also had a solid day canning three treys, including a pair over the final 16 minutes. The pesky point guard also played standout defense as did the rest of her teammates. As they pulled away, Sevigny wisely subbed in and out for Bailey, who was banged up yesterday. The second-year coach managed her starters well, giving valuable experience to Gianni LaTange and other players off the bench.

Before she departed, Bailey went for a three-point play. With Tuesday’s PSAA playoff semifinal coming up at Evangel Christian, there was little reason to keep her in. Especially when she got hit a few times under the basket without many fouls called. Better to be safe than sorry with their best player, who missed a two-point loss last month to the same opponent.

With Bailey out, Paller scored her best bucket on a nifty crossover stepback drawing ooohs and ahhhs from the bench. As time wound down, LREI made its seventh shot from the field. The Lady Lions finally ran the clock out for the 22-point victory.

Notes: Game time for BC’s semi rematch at Evangel Christian is 3:45 PM Tuesday in Queens. … It was the first time Sevigny had a full bench all year. … In their final tuneup before a Monday playoff quarter, the JV Boys took on UNIS. With coach Carmine Giovino out a second straight game, Walter Paller ran the show a day after Joe Wood guided them to triumph. … Start time for the JV quarter is 4:30 PM Monday.

PARK SLOPE, BK-The Winter Games have started with rapid fire over in Vancouver, generating plenty of excitement when NBC isn’t screwing over viewers. While many dramas unfold in British Columbia, there was a different kind much closer to home over in The Slope off President Street between sixth and seventh Avenue.

Indeed, the final hoops doubleheader of a hectic season took place with the Berkeley Carroll Girls Varsity and the JV Boys splitting in two entertaining games at the Athletic Center. The action was spontaneous with each game having their own storyline that gave loyal supporters plenty to cheer for.

In the first game, the Lady Lions fought hard but came up a little short losing to ACIS league rival Dwight 41-29. Second-year coach Morgan Sevigny’s club got off to a decent start trading baskets with their more experienced foe. One issue was their opponent’s size. Top scorer Keyanka Bailey had her hands full against a trio that made her and teammates work. Thanks to a Morgo Miller bucket, they still led 7-6 in a low scoring first quarter in which both schools misfired and turned the ball over.

With BC paying close attention to Dwight’s dangerous junior scoring guard, it eventually led to open looks for the Upper Manhattan school who turned a poor shooting close half around. They went on a 14-2 run to take a comfortable 20-9 lead into the break. But as they have all season, the Lady Lions responded quickly with a three-point barrage. Tess Salvatore finally hit from downtown and Bailey- who earlier spent most of the second on the bench due to a turned ankle- nailed a couple as well as BC went on a 12-2 run slicing the deficit to 22-18.

The swing in momentum forced Dwight to call for time and regroup. They did with their speedy junior guard setting up a teammate for three consecutive baskets, pushing it back to 10. Bailey, who scored more than half her team high 17 in the second half, kept them in it with another trey as did first-year starter Sarah Paller. They still trailed by eight thanks to a three from Dwight’s leading scorer who finished with 20. Plus she set up her open floor mate again for an easy deuce.

Despite a few sloppy turnovers due in large part to the defense they faced, the younger Berkeley Carroll squad played hard nosed D themselves to stay afloat, getting a couple of steals from Olivia Wilson along with a Bailey theft and sweet finish. Another trifecta from Salvatore cut it to 35-29 with four and change left. However, they couldn’t draw any nearer despite forcing Dwight into a miscue.

Instead, the bitter rival who BC came back to stun for the league title a few years back finished strong, running off the final six to win by a dozen.

The back end of the double was just as fun with AD Joe Wood subbing for coach Carmine Giovino with success as his boys held off St. Ann’s 49-44. Minus their emotional leader, the JV did just fine with Wood, who coaches a strong BC middle school girls team, doing an admirable job. He even got help from Varsity player Adam Kochman, who scored 11 in a five-point road defeat at St. Ann’s.

Thanks to some hot shooting from new starter Blaise Cohen, the Lions came out quickly, taking an early 9-4 lead. Cohen scored six of his eight in the opening stanza, including three in succession. Though they fell behind early, St. Ann’s hung around thanks to plenty of finish from the game’s leading scorer, who got most of his 20 inside the paint. Berkeley Carroll had a tough time containing him.

They also got a few inside baskets from another starter. Following a strong start, Wood’s club struggled with their opponent’s full court pressure, turning the ball over. While St. Ann’s took advantage suddenly using an 8-0 spurt to surge ahead 18-17, the Lions were a little unnerved taking a few quick shots. However, a nice finish from sixth man Anthony Spina helped them stay ahead at the half.

After intermission, Berkeley Carroll built the lead back up with both Dondre Benson and Milo Ben Amotz going to work. Benson got more than half his team best 13 and Ben Amotz, who hit from downtown, chipped in with 11 including a nice finish for a three-point play earlier.

A big plus for Wood’s crew was that seven different players factored in with both Spina and Cohen each netting eight. The prideful Lions AD also subbed people in and out, keeping his guys fresh. When it got tight in the final frame, he used a timeout to restore order. The Lions also switched to a tight 2-3 zone packing it in against a team that didn’t have any perimeter threats. With the exception of a couple of instances, the strategic change paid dividends, allowing them to preserve a four-point lead.

With St. Ann’s putting on large halfcourt pressure, Spina recovered in time to help set up the biggest hoop of the game from Mike Andria, who made his two count with an easy finish for 44-38. Some sweet dishing allowed Benson to extend to eight. From there, they held their feisty opponent off earning a win to conclude the regular season.

Notes: Duncan Hardy and Will Perry also made the scoresheet with key baskets. … Depending on where they finished, the Lions could host a playoff quarterfinal next Monday. … The Lady Lions conclude the regular season by making up last week’s snowout versus L.R.E.I. tomorrow afternoon with tipoff at 4 PM.

PARK SLOPE, BK-They might have come up just short in Friday’s heartbreaking 53-51 home finale against L.R.E.I. But for the five seniors who played their last Varsity hoops game for Berkeley Carroll at the Athletic Center in The Slope, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Instead, they should hold their heads high in what amounted to an inspired second half comeback that left proud parents giving them a nice sendoff on Senior Day. In what’s been a trying season for the Lions who’ve been decimated by injuries, Coach Mike Kubera’s eight-man squad battled to the buzzer against another deeper opponent that just hung on for the win.

For much of the first half, it looked like the visitors from Manhattan were on the verge of blowing Berkeley Carroll out of the gym. However, plenty of leadership was shown from captain John O’Shaughnessy and his four senior teammates Sean Cunningham, Nate Barr, Walker Harrison and Paul Bendernagel, who all started. Each contributed on both ends of the floor as the Lions clawed back from a large double digit deficit to make it a game. While the veteran of the club O’Shaughnessy showed his usual scrappiness inside scoring and fighting for every rebound, Cunningham heated up in the second quarter, hitting a triple and netting seven of 18 to cut the deficit to 29-20.  But a couple of late three-point daggers stretched LREI’s lead back to 15 at the half.

At halftime, the Lions honored each senior with great words said by Kubera and his assistant on how much they’ve all meant to the program. The traditional flowers were presented to players and family members who stayed to take pictures. Plenty of Kodak memories that will last a lifetime.

Perhaps the longer than usual break helped because the guys wearing the home white and maroon jerseys came out on fire. Getting contributions from everyone including underclassmen Adam Kochman (5 Pts), Joe Martinez and Jesse Chalfin, BC quickly got the deficit into single digits.

Cunningham continued to score, finishing in transition and hitting from downtown. Both O’Shaughnessy who got into foul trouble- and Harrison did the grunt work, fighting for every loose ball. Each went over double digits on the glass, drawing plenty of fouls. The Lions played great defense, really closing the lane and limiting perimeter opportunities for LREI’s shooters who did most of their damage early.

With a few players on the road club foul plagued, momentum was with Berkeley Carroll. Even when a tough call (charge) went against a disappointed Barr in the final quarter, the Lions never gave up. L.R.E.I. never could put them away with Kubera’s bunch staying within striking distance. BC got plenty of second and third chances with everyone crashing the basket. Most came from Harrison and O’Shaughnessy, who was a beast in his final home quarter scoring 11 of his 18, including a big three-point play and a few from the charity stripe. Harrison- who returned to the court following two years off to concentrate on helping the Lions win a championship behind the plate- finished with five. Though he missed a few chippies, his effort was extraordinary, including a charge taken even if a bit of a break.

Kochman, who likely will be a full-time starter this Fall nailed a trey from the left corner drawing BC even closer. For most of the day, Barr couldn’t get untracked but continued to excel defensively coming up with steals as did the rest of his senior ‘mates. However, he finally got a jumper to go and added a free throw. Speaking of which, if there was one area the Lions could’ve done better at, it was at the line where some key misses hurt in crunch time.

Even when LREI seemed to have it put away up four with under 45 seconds left, the pesky Lions stayed alive thanks to a wild sequence that saw O’Shaughnessy finish cutting it to 53-51 with time to spare. They quickly fouled and got feint hope when a player missed a pair. But with under three ticks left, all Harrison who rebounded the ball could do was launch a desperation heave that didn’t hit its destined target.

When the buzzer sounded, those who supported the Lions from start to finish cheered the effort. Even if the final score said they lost, it didn’t feel like it. On Friday, there were only winners.

Notes: Cunningham and O’Shaughnessy combined for 36 of BC’s 51 points with Harrison (5), Barr (3) and Bendernagel (2) all on the scoresheet. … Due to last Wednesday’s blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow in the metro area, the game was a makeup.

… This Friday, the Lady Lions tilt versus L.R.E.I will be made up as well. They’ll also take on ACIS league rival Dwight Thursday in the first of a doubleheader featuring Coach Carmine Giovino’s JV hosting St. Ann’s in a possible playoff preview. … The Boys Varsity conclude their season the same day at St. Ann’s.

PARK SLOPE, BK-Usually, Berkeley Carroll hoop games are played in the BC Athletic Center over by President Street. However, that wasn’t the case earlier this afternoon with the Lady Lions defeating Masters 35-22 to take their second straight.

Due to a school concert, the later start was shifted to the gym at Lincoln Place. Even in an odd setting that had the scorer’s table on part of the court, Coach Morgan Sevigny’s club were able to adjust to life on the other home court used by the middle school teams during the Winter. Technically, they were familiar with it due to some practices along with players who once played their games there. Regardless, it was still another home game even if it didn’t start until after 5 PM due to lots of Friday rush hour travel for their Westchester opponent.

Despite the later start, the Lady Lions accomplished what they set out to, earning a 13-point win in improving to 6-9 on the season. Leading scorer Keyanka Bailey paced them with 19, getting a cool dozen in the second half. She got plenty of help from teammates Sarah Paller (7 Pts incl. trey) and Tess Salvatore (three from downtown). In fact, Paller who played on that court the past few years had no problems finding her spots, connecting on all seven in a superb first half. Nearly identical jumpers came from the right baseline while the three was from the left key.

Her shooting provided an early spark for Berkeley Carroll, who led from start to finish. Meanwhile, Salvatore chipped in scoring all nine from downtown. All three were around the key and hit nothing but net for the emotional leader of a young club. In the opening 16 minutes, Bailey also scored seven on strong finishes, including one that led to a conventional three-point play.

That kind of balance along with solid D saw the Lady Lions build a 13-point lead with four minutes to go in the half. However, Masters hung tough taking advantage of some miscues to run off the last six, pulling within 20-13 at the half. The break allowed BC to regroup but they still came out a little sluggish in the second half, forcing Sevigny to use a timeout. Eventually, they settled down.

Neither team scored much during the first part of the third quarter which featured missed opportunities and sloppy turnovers. That allowed Masters to stay within reach. Finally, Bailey broke loose using lightning speed to go end to end for a couple of easy lay-ins. The junior forward extended out on a very active triangular two geared towards keeping their limited perimeter opponent out of the lane. With good coaching from both Sevigny and assistant Manny, BC held Masters to single possessions while forcing turnovers. They also boxed out well with defensive stopper Olivia Wilson leading the charge.

The fine attention to detail limited their opponent to just three third quarter points. Even if they didn’t score that much themselves, winding up with seven thanks to a late Bailey spurt, Berkeley Carroll still took a 27-16 lead into the final period. In it, Bailey continued her exceptional play converting off steals in transition. An open Salvatore also knocked down a big three as the Lady Lions began to pull away.

Ultimately, even with Sevigny playing just six with mostly her starting five including foul plagued Morgo Miller getting the bulk, they were still good enough to win comfortably. Gianni LaTange was the only player who came in off the bench, giving a banged up Wilson, Miller, Paller and Salvatore a rest. The liberal subbing helped her players stay fresh.

The Berkeley Carroll Girls Varsity earned the rest of the weekend off before returning Monday to prepare for a Wednesday home tilt versus L.R.E.I. The Boys Varsity will also be in action as part of the doubleheader. They can at least be certain the games will be played back at their usual home.

Note: The JV and Varsity Lions will pay a visit to Staten Island Academy in Todt Hill Monday.

PARK SLOPE, BK-Nobody could stop Keyanka Bailey on this day. The junior forward erupted for 37 points, leading the Lady Lions past United Federations 56-34 at the BC Athletic Center in Park Slope Wednesday. The win improved the Lady Lions to 5-9.

Coming off a disappointing ACIS loss to rival Packer, Coach Morgan Sevigny’s Berkeley Carroll Varsity hoops club made sure that wouldn’t happen again. With UNIS having all kinds of trouble slowing Bailey down, it freed up other starters Olivia Wilson (6 Pts), Sarah Paller (6 Pts) and Tess Salvatore (5 Pts), who all contributed to the 22-point win.

Having only scored 22 the other day, the Lady Lions nearly matched that output with a 19-point first quarter taking an early eight-point lead. Despite Bailey scoring at will on an array of nice finishes off drives, United Federations hung around thanks to some inside scoring from a couple of players. A 12-4 run sliced the BC deficit to 23-21, forcing Sevigny to call for time.

Berkeley Carroll only scored 10 in the second quarter but still brought a six-point lead to the locker room. UNIS continued to keep it close the first few minutes of the second half but a Bailey-led charge pushed the lead into double digits. Highlights included a few steals for breakaway lay-ins along with some solid ball movement from Salvatore to Wilson for an easy bucket, prompting a pleased Sevigny to say, “You see No.2.”

Salvatore also knocked down a three from the right key and Paller hit a couple of nice baseline jumpers with her pleased parents looking on. Playing better D, the Lady Lions ran away from UNIS in a lopsided final period that saw Bailey continue to score in bunches. She also hit a couple from downtown from the left hash.

Despite playing with only six, BC executed well in both ends, doing a solid job on the boards with Wilson and Salvatore helping out Bailey. Paller and first-year starter Morgo Miller, who finished with a bucket, also played key roles defensively.

Bailey would soon reach 34 points with their opponent only having 33 at one point. In what likely was a new career high, she had a memorable day as did the rest of her teammates, who next host The Masters School with a special 4:30 start time at Lincoln Place Friday.

While they’ll remain home, both the JV and Varsity Boys will travel to Martin Luther for a double starting at 4.