Girls Basketball Survives Scare on Senior Night

SUMMIT–Before the 2009-2010 basketball season began, Summit head coach Brian Erickson said that one of his team's goals was to protect their lead in the fourth quarter. On Wednesday's "Senior Night" matchup against the 16-3 New Providence Pioneers, the Hilltoppers were able to do just that as they outscored the Pioneers 14-6 in the final quarter to pull out the 39-30 win.

"Last year in the fourth quarter, we didn't finish strong. We had trouble scoring," Erickson said. "I don't know if it was because we were tired or just getting tense. This year we've done better in the fourth quarter. The Union and Westfield games come to mind. Tonight, we entered the fourth quarter with a one point lead, and our veteran leadership and conditioning helped us make a run. At this point in the season, I always tell my team that you've got to be able to finish in the fourth quarter."

Though the Hilltoppers were able to pull out a nine point victory over the Pioneers, it was not an easy win by any means. Summit was pleased to welcome back sophomore guard Nicole Johnson, who had missed the last eight games with a stress fracture.

"It's great to have Nicole back," Erickson said. "She adds a lot to our team and we really missed her when she was out."

Both teams started the game in man-to-man defense. Though heavily guarded, Summit senior Emily Cristaldi hit the first points of the game with a long three-pointer from the top of the key. Sophomore Kelly Osmulski hit a three of her own with one minute remaining in the quarter to put the Hilltoppers up 7-3.

With 10 seconds left in the first, the Hilltoppers had possession. Quick thinking by point guard Kate Martino salvaged a broken play and resulted in a field goal when she drew defenders to her with a hard baseline drive and then kicked out to Osmulski for the open shot. The Hilltoppers led 9-3 after the first quarter of play.

Another three-pointer by Cristaldi and two field goals by Martino helped the Hilltopper cause in the second quarter, but shots finally began to fall for New Providence and the Pioneers cut Summit's lead to just three points, 18-15, at the half. New Providence junior Kaitlyn Cresencia hit two three-pointers and a layup in the second quarter to get her team back into the game. Late in the first half, shots weren't falling for the Hilltoppers.

"We had tremendous looks tonight, but we missed easily 10 shots inside of four feet," Erickson said. "That's all part of it, though. We go through spurts just like everyone else."

New Providence took advantage of a slow third quarter by Summit and cut the Hilltopper lead to just one point, 25-24, entering the fourth quarter. Summit came alive in the final quarter, however, and never looked back.

Osmulski started the Hilltopper run with a nice weaving drive for a layup at the five minute mark. Senior Cassie Hall followed by swishing a baseline jumper off a Martino assist. After a few missed shots and several offensive rebounds, Osmulski sank another shot from the wing to extend Summit's lead to 31-27 with 2:45 remaining in the game.

New Providence still had some steam, however, and it was still anyone's game until Cristaldi made a nice crossover dribble to beat her defender and hit the "And-1" layup with two minutes remaining in the game. This basket put the Hilltoppers up by seven points and, more importantly for Summit, knocked the wind of the New Providence's sails. With time now against them, the Pioneers were forced to foul. The Hilltoppers went 5-9 from the foul line in the final 1:30 of play, sealing the 39-30 victory on Senior Night.

Seniors Michelle Burian, Emily Cristaldi, and Cassie Hall were honored both before and after the game.

"This group of seniors is really special," Erickson said. "They always seem to make the right decisions. I trust them completely and that makes everything so much easier on the court."

Cristaldi led all scorers with 17 points and three steals on the night. Osmulski chipped in 11 points, and Martino scored seven. Hall led the Hilltoppers with 11 rebounds.

With the win, Summit finishes the regular season with 20 wins and 3 losses.

"I always say that we don't define success in wins and losses, but it feels great," Erickson said with a smile. "I'm the most content and satisfied that I've been with any team. Winning 20 of 23 games is beyond my wildest dreams. Now we have to validate that and win again on Tuesday night."

No. 3 seed  Summit faces No. 14 seed Delran in the first round of the NJSIAA tournament on Tuesday, March 2, at Summit High School. Game time TBD. Stay tuned to Patch for updates.