Thu 2 Feb 2012
PARK SLOPE, BK- Sometimes, a little hard work pays off. For third-year Lady Lion Sarah Paller, her commitment to basketball has never been questioned. From an eighth grader who joined the Varsity in ’09-10, she’s started mostly under two different coaches. Much was expected this year, which is why her recent struggles were a concern. However, extra practice helped as a different player led Berkeley Carroll to a 38-24 home win over league rival United Nations International yesterday.
Paller’s 17 paced the Lady Lions, who after a sloppy start took control the last three quarters to pull away from UNIS for an important victory. After a tough January that included a recent loss to Dwight on Spirit Day, perhaps the change of the calendar was all they needed. Especially with it the final month of the season.
A turnover plagued first quarter saw first-year coach Sydney Blumstein use an early timeout to help her team regroup. They didn’t respond until the second period thanks to some timely hooping from Paller, who netted half her leading output on an array of driving lay-ups and a long range bomb that got the bench up. Showing more confidence offensively, the sophomore shooting guard made wise decisions, also getting teammates involved.
While Paller paced the Lady Lions in scoring, she also was part of sturdy defense led by lone senior Olivia Wilson, who wreaked havoc against UNIS. Wilson outhustled the Eastern Manhattan school to loose balls with reckless abandon. She had a few steals and rebounded, which allowed Paller to hurt United Nations in transition. Paller also had a couple of thefts and easy finishes that helped extend a five-point lead to double digits at the half.
Junior Margo Miller also hit the offensive glass with a nice putback along with some extra possessions through effort. It was contagious as Blumstein played everyone, which could bode well down the stretch. In fact, almost every player made the stat sheet, including Becca Bender, who showed improvement defensively.
The Lady Lions built a 15-point margin during a big third, limiting UNIS to only one bucket from the field. Olivia Saleh contributed with five while Mia Kellman (3) and Wilson (5) also got involved.
It was their best effort in a while. They’re right back at it tomorrow with a visit to Nightingale-Bamford.
Lions visit Packer: Meanwhile, the Berkeley Carroll Lions paid a visit to nemesis Packer this afternoon. They were trying to avenge a blowout defeat last December that saw senior Joe Longo reinjure his ankle. Longo has been back and the Lions were healthier for the Brooklyn rematch. We’ll try to update later who won. … The JV also were in action at Packer as part of the double.