PEABODY — The Crusaders of Bishop Fenwick (8-5) came into Peabody’s home Wednesday night and walked out with a 55-40 win, ending the Tanners’ (9-1) perfect season.
Fenwick’s big second quarter was a blueprint on how to beat the Tanners: use size as an advantage.
The Crusaders started the second quarter on a 7-2 run early, with points coming from Cecilia Kay (22 points). Kay showed off her impressive footwork with post moves – taking advantage of smaller defenders. Two possessions later, Kay showed she was more than just a post player as she sank a long-range three to increase the Crusaders’ lead to 20-15.
“She can shoot from anywhere – inside or outside. She’s a tough matchup,” Peabody head coach Stan McKeen said.
Between Kay and freshman Caitlin Boyle, the Crusaders held a significant advantage in the paint. When Kay checked out, it was Boyle’s (12 points) turn to go to work as she scored a nifty reverse-layup in the paint.
“We just couldn’t match up with their two big girls,” McKeen said.
The Crusaders strategy wasn’t just a ‘throw the ball down low’ type of offense, as they continued to move the ball around to get open looks. Celia Neilson was the beneficiary of the ball-movement on one play, finding herself open for a layup to increase the lead to nine (26-17).
“[Our ball movement] was good,” Fenwick head coach Adam DeBaggis said. “It was good that we were able to get easy baskets.”
The Crusaders’ big second quarter gave them a 27-19 lead going into halftime.
Despite being down at the half, the Tanners refused to give up and started the third quarter with energy. Abigail Bettencourt (13 points) got the Tanners rolling with a steal-and-score on the very first possession. A few plays later, Bettencourt hit a deep three to tie the game at 27.
“Abby’s one of the best athletes on the team. She’s a true athlete [and] she played super in the second half,” McKeen said.
With the Crusaders desperately needing a basket, they went to Kay. She ended the Tanners’ run with a hook shot – showing both her skill, and leadership.
“She’s always going to score and grab rebounds, but she’s much more of a leader this year,” DeBaggis said. “She’s more composed, making the right decisions, and her communication has impressed me the most.”
Fenwick’s Anna Fertonani (four points) hit a mid-range jumper with 10 seconds left in the third quarter to give the Crusaders a 39-32 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The final frame was back-and-forth, which inevitably favored the Crusaders who entered the quarter with the lead. Their defense was impressive, forcing the Tanners into difficult shots and turnovers.
“[Their height] made it difficult for us on the offensive end. We didn’t get a lot of rebounds and our outside shots didn’t fall,” McKeen said. “They’re the best team we have faced so far.”
The Crusaders’ next game will be on the road Friday night against Arlington Catholic with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Tanners will look to get back to their winning ways on Friday when they host Beverly at 7 p.m.
