Melrose prevails in a 47-43 thriller
After press time:
Melrose falls to Wilmington 61-35 (Feb. 7)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ basketball team enjoyed one of their best wins of the season on Tuesday evening at home when they prevailed over league rival Burlington, 47-43, which avenged a previous loss against the Red Devils in early January.
Leading scoring for Melrose was senior captain Scarlet D’Addio with 15 points and Sophia DiCalogero with 11.
Melrose launched a furious third period effort that saw them hold Burlington to just 2 points while outscoring the Red Devils 15-2, and from there didn’t hold back. Eight three pointers made a huge difference in the game for Melrose.
“This is a huge win for us. I’m thrilled with our second half performance,” said head coach Andrea Razi Thomas. “We kept them to ten, second half points. The reliable scoring of seniors Scarlet and Sophia sealed it.”
Burlington took an early lead to start, with Melrose facing a 10-16 deficit at the end of the first, but came back swinging in the second behind baskets from Ella Beshel and Scarlett D’Addio, whose three pointer, and that of teammate Ella DiCalogero, kept Melrose on the boards, though Melrose faced a 33-24 deficit at the half.
But Melrose adjusted at halftime and came out a new team, with a hard press and defense that smothered the Red Devils. Melrose saw great work from Alex Leeman and Zoe Breay, the latter of who had several steals in the period that helped set up a Leeman layup. Two baskets and a foul line shot by Sofia DiCalogero tied it up 33-33. Foul shots by Leeman put Melrose up 35-33, a lead that Melrose wouldn’t lose. Another foul like appearance by D’Addio gave Melrose an edge of 37-33, and a fantastic three by D’Addio gave Melrose a 40-35 lead at the end of the third. Melrose had an equally productive fourth period, with solid work from Ella Beshel, who helped break up several Red Devil possessions, and Leeman, who along with D’Addio and DiCalogero used their senior experience to work the clock and put pressure on Red Devil shooters. Burlington crept back into the game down 40-44 but a key turnover forced by Beshel helped keep momentum on Melrose’s side. Another clean foul line appearance by D’Addio sealed the deal and Melrose took the win, 47-43.
Also notable was the work of Ella Callahan and Aisling Donegan, who were strong over the evening. “Ella and Aisling had key defensive minutes that contributed to the win,” says their coach.
Melrose travels to Wilmington on Friday looking to avenge a previous loss to the Wildcats in early January. Game time is at 5:15 p.m.