A gritty defensive Shore Conference contest between the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and the Middletown High School North girls’ basketball teams was played on Jan. 18 on Middletown.
The visiting Bulldogs extend their winning streak to four games with a 49-38 victory over Middletown North to improve to 8-2 on the season.
The final two minutes of the third quarter were crucial to the Rumson-Fair Haven victory. Five forced turnovers and a Lucy Adams layup before the buzzer helped Rumson-Fair Haven finish the quarter on an 11-0 run and take a 36-24 into four quarter.
“It all started with our defense,” said Rumson-Fair Haven coach Dave Callahan. “When you can get turnovers in the backcourt, it can lead to easy layups and that’s what the game is about.”
Senior Paige Slaven recorded another double-double in the victory for the Bulldogs, scoring a game-high 15 points and hauling in a team-high 10 rebounds.
Junior Cortland McBarron recorded 13 points and seven assists in the victory for Rumson-Fair Haven.
Junior forward Sophia Memon led the way for Middletown North, connecting on 11 of her team-high 14 points in the second half.
Fellow classmate Victoria Palladino scored nine points (three three-pointers) for Middletown North. The Lions collected seven three-pointers in the game.
With the loss, Middletown North dropped to 5-6 on the season.
Follow Steven Bassin on Twitter @SBassin_Sports
