PEABODY — The Bishop Fenwick girls basketball team jumped out to a big first-half lead and never looked back Tuesday night, rolling to a 68-38 win over Austin Prep in a Catholic Central League matchup at Bishop Fenwick High School.
“It was obviously great for us to get out to such a hot start, and we were able to ride that for most of the game,” said Fenwick assistant coach Dave Harrington, who was filling in for head coach Adam DeBaggis on the night. “Austin Prep was able to make a run there at the end and they got a little bit physical, which was fine, but we were able to hold on and get a nice win.”
Senior captain Nasha Arnold led the offensive attack for the Crusaders, notching 17 points to go along with seven rebounds. Senior captain Maria Orfanos wasn’t far behind with 14 points and two rebounds, while sophomore Cecilia Kay notched her third straight double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Erica Lendall finished with 11 points and two rebounds, while sophomore Ella Andrew (three points, six rebounds) also played well in the win.
For Harrington, his team’s ability to hustle and rebound the ball was the main key to victory on Tuesday night.
“Nasha, Cecilia and Ella are always willing to rebound the ball every time down the floor, and that’s a great thing to have,” said Harrington. “Those girls are so consistent in that aspect of the game that it really gives us a leg up on the competition most nights.”
Fenwick got off to a fast start in this one, jumping out to a 7-2 lead in the opening minutes. By the time the first quarter came to a close, the Crusaders — largely behind an 11-point quarter from Orfanos — held a commanding 22-9 lead.
The second quarter was much of the same, with Arnold catching fire both on the glass and from the field. Between her and Kay, the Crusaders dominated the boards and stretched their lead out to 20 points. By the halftime break, Fenwick led 38-17.
Then, Fenwick kept stretching out its lead in the third quarter, pushing it to as many as 33 points before Austin Prep went on a small rally. But even after that, the Crusaders were too far ahead and were able to coast through the fourth quarter with mainly substitutes before the final buzzer signaled their win.
Fenwick (3-1) returns to the court Monday night (7) for a home game against Haverhill at the annual Bishop Fenwick Christmas Tournament.
“We’re really excited to be back in the Christmas tournament, and even more excited to be hosting this year,” said Harrington. “Hopefully we can go out there and play some good basketball, make it to the final and take home a trophy.”