Last-Second Layup Seals Victory for Girls Basketball

UNION– Kelly Osmulski made a clutch layup with 1.7 seconds remaining, to lead the team to a huge 44-43 win against Union High School on Friday. Osmulski was the top scorer for the Hilltoppers as she hit for 17 points in the game, including her winning shot at the end of regulation.

"Kate (Martino) was driving to the basket so I got into position for the rebound and somehow she got me the ball inside and I put it in for the win," Osmulski said.

Nicole Johnson chipped in 11 points and five rebounds along with several hustle plays and steals that turned into layups down the stretch. Amanda Murphy also played big and pulled down five rebounds and scored four big points to inspire her team in the victory.

Olivia Galuppo out-hustled her bigger opponents by grabbing key rebounds, diving for loose balls and hitting for four points in the game. Kate Martino took several hard fouls as she brought the ball up the court and managed to score five points. Ali Hoesly and Jasmine Sondhi both contributed with key buckets.

"This would have been a heartbreaker to lose but our kids responded well," said Head coach Brian Erickson. "The game was pretty physical. We were down by seven points in the fourth quarter and Amanda Murphy was inspiring as she battled down low and really controlled the boards for us. It took courage for our team to come back."

The basket by Osmulski capped a 15-9 run for the Hilltoppers in the fourth and decisive quarter.

Summit withstood a tough a challenge throughout the game from a very physical Union team that also had a big size advantage. Summit capitalized on Unions' missed foul shots and used a box and one defense, featuring Nicole Johnson, who kept Union's top player from scoring in the fourth quarter.

The Hilltoppers next game is at Roselle Catholic High School on December 23, at 7 p.m.