NORTH READING — The girls basketball Magicians (1-0) had some in-season practice Monday night, traveling to North Reading for an early-season scrimmage at Kipnes Court.
Although the game got away from Marblehead in the fourth quarter, losing by a final score of 42-26, senior Kate Burns (6 points,11 rebounds) said her side played “really well” considering the team’s “experimental” approach.
“Coach (Paul Moran) was looking to get everyone in. He was trying people out in different positions, so for an experimental game, we played really well,” Burns said.
For the first three quarters, the Magicians hung around, keeping the score within five points at the end of each period.
They had a fair share of the lead in the first half and kept their shot-making on par with the opposition. However, the Hornets’ full-court press continued to keep Marblehead at bay for the majority of the half.
“We’re getting it figured out,” said Burns when asked about the press. “When we played Revere, they weren’t pressing us, so this was the first time really putting it in.”
Even with its struggles against the Hornets’ defense, Marblehead kept the game within striking range going into halftime (15-14).
The third quarter was an offensive explosion all around with a combined 20 points.
However, it was the Hornets’ outside shooting that made the difference going into the fourth quarter.
The Hornets led 27-22 going into the last eight minutes. The hosts were hot from the outside, hitting four 3-pointers, which was enough to win the game.
“They just started making shots and we didn’t,” said senior Katie Pyne (5 points). “I don’t think it was our best shooting day, but we matched them pretty evenly.”
Despite defeat, Pyne and Burns agreed that an early-season scrimmage against a strong opponent can be a huge help to their young – and developing – team.
“It’s always great to play against good teams and get better,” Burns said.
“This is really good practice… and I think we’ll be ready now,” Pyne said.
Marblehead’s scoring leaders:
Kate Burns: 6
Katie Pyne: 5
Tess Andriano: 3
Marietta O’Connell: 3
Hailey Schmitt: 2
Liv Goldwater: 2
Ramona Gillet: 2