Lady Black Knights Find Stride in Consolation Game

The Stoughton High girls’ basketball team has made it clear that its goal is to qualify for the postseason tournament. After many glory years, the Black Knights of late have been left out of March basketball.

If last night was any indication then Stoughton is headed in the right direction. The two things that coach Janet Sullivan has been looking for is more offense, with many contributing instead of a few, and strong defense. Stoughton accomplished both and cruised to a 46-30 victory over Cohasset in the consolation game of the Hingham Holiday Tournament.

After a 24-point defeat the previous night against Coyle & Cassidy, Stoughton (2-2) was able to even its record. Nine different players scored and a solid full-court press defense stymied Cohasset. 

The guards for the Black Knights were also able to shut down Anna Serarias, Cohasset’s top player. Senior tri-captain Jackie Kuhn and juniors Emma Zuk, Mackenzie McGrath and Marlena Siegel were able to hold Serarias to just 8 points.

Senior tri-captain Chrystal Holland (11 points) and junior center Nicole Daniels (9 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) still led the offense, but this time they got some much needed help. For the second consecutive contest the youngest player on the roster, lone sophomore Kayla Motley, pitched in with 6 points and also had 4 rebounds.

In all four games this season, Stoughton has got off to very fast starts, taking the lead after the first quarter. The Black Knights extended the lead in the second quarter with great defense leading to fast break offense and a 26-14 lead at halftime. McGrath scored all 8 of her points in the first half, including two three-point shots. Stoughton’s successful outside shooting helped to spread out the offense and Cohasset couldn’t double-team Daniels or Holland.

While the Stoughton offense was playing well, the defense didn’t allow Cohasset to score in double figures in any quarter.

“Our balance on offense, with good shooting and inside play and the fact that we had more people contributing really helped us, and freed up Daniels down low and cleared the way for Holland to drive to the basket,” said Sullivan. “Our defense was strong and also led to more offensive opportunities.”

The third quarter had been a problem for Stoughton this season, but not in this game. Stoughton outscored Cohasset, 15-8, and went up 41-22 entering the fourth quarter. The final eight minutes, Stoughton was able to give everyone some playing time and preserve the victory that ended a two-game losing streak.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier. After a week off, the Black Knights will return to action on Friday, Jan. 6 for the first of three road games in five nights, starting with the defending Hockomock League champion Oliver Ames. Contests at a struggling King Philip team on Monday, Jan. 9, followed the next night by a matchup against a strong Mansfield team, will be real tests for the improving Black Knights.