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District 2 Girls Game Recap (Scranton at Scranton Prep)
 

District 2 Girls Game Recap (Scranton at Scranton Prep)

Written by: Jon K on January 21, 2024

 

 

January 21, 2024

 

Classics’ Defense Sparks 3-Point Barrage

 

Scranton Prep 58, Scranton 38

 

SCRANTON – Time can be quite the motivator.  23 days removed from an eleven-point loss to Scranton in the Lynett Memorial Tournament, there were whispers among local hoops fans wondering whether this was the year that Scranton Prep might actually drop a division game.  Even though the Classics came up short in that matchup back in December, they impressed by erasing a 41-26 deficit to knot that game at 52.  A stellar defensive effort finally got their offense in gear.  It was a formula that worked to near perfection Sunday afternoon as they forced 18 turnovers and connected on 11 triples (hitting 50% of them late into the game) as they rolled to a convincing 58-38 victory sending the Lady Knights (13-1) to their first defeat on the season.  Scranton’s sensational freshman duo was limited to only half of their 31 ppg combined average.  Chrissy Jacklinski, their exceptionally-talented floor leader, had netted 8 of her team’s 11 points, but left the game just over a minute into the second period after suffering a leg injury.  And Zya Small (their 6-3 player already getting plenty of D1 looks) was held scoreless in the first half. 

Things started off well for Scranton as they jumped out to an 8-3 advantage six minutes into the game.  Jacklinski got the Lady Knights on the board with a jumper before Bella Dennabaum connected on a corner triple to put the Classics up 3-2.  Maggie O’Shea’s corner triple was followed by an inside shot and free throw by Jacklinski at the 2:11 mark.  Scranton Prep got back-to-back treys from Maya Jenkins and Jenna Hillebrand to regain the lead, 9-8.  Jenkins added a layup off a Scranton turnover and a free throw with no time on the clock to make it 12-8 after the first quarter. 

Claire McGrath completed the 12-0 run with a triple to open the second period before Jacklinski converted a 3-point play at the 6:48 mark to cut it to 15-11, but would leave the game with a leg injury as Jenkins made a layup.  It was the start of a 7-0 run capped off with scores by Hillebrand and a fast break layup by Dennabaum.  After missing on several earlier attempts, the Lady Knights got a huge boost as Finley Bittenbender netted consecutive treys to reduce the gap to five points, 22-17 as their fans quickly got back into the game.  But, before they could do any further damage, the Classics seized the momentum right back via back-to-back treys by Hillebrand and McGrath to close out the first half with a 28-17 lead.

Sometimes halftime can dampen a team’s rhythm.  For Scranton Prep, it worked to re-ignite their offensive avalanche as they connected on four triples and to grab a 42-22 advantage.  Dennabaum got things going with a corner trey.  After Zya Small got her first score of the game, Jenkins added another trey.  Hillebrand added five points (including a 3) and then McGrath added yet another one wrapped around Finley Bittenbender hitting her 3rd trey of the afternoon.  Scranton Prep took their largest lead o the afternoon (44-22) before Small made a steal and layup to close out the third period, 44-24.

Teams played even through the final frame as the Classics wrapped up the impressive 58-38 victory.

Scranton Prep was led by Jenna Hillebrand with 20 points.  Maya Jenkins (16 points) and Claire McGrath (12 points) were also in double figures.  Bella Dennabaum and Ashlyn Moore combined for 10 points.  The Classics made 11 triples (out of 24 attempts) and converted 7 of their 12 free throws.  They forced 18 turnovers.

Scranton was paced by Finley Bittenbender with 12 points (on 4 triples).  Chrissy Jacklinsky and Zya Small each netted 8 points.  Maggie O’Shea, Kamryn Alers, and Catherine Hill combined to add 10 points.  The Lady Knights made 6 triples and connected on 2 of 4 free throws.

Scranton Prep continues Lackawanna League play as they travel to play West Scranton on Tuesday.  Scranton travels to take on Wallenpaupack in a crossover game, also on Tuesday.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                       

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