Girls High School Round-UP

Oxford girls handle Bartlett 44-26
Shepherd Hill beats Northbridge

Rams vs. Indians in Dudley on Thursday, Dec. 27.

Photo caption: Oxford coach Janet Hourihan and the Pirates

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

WEBSTER - Senior co-captain Caroline Bercier had a career night with 16 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Oxford Pirates by the Bartlett Indians 44-26 in Southern Worcester County League girls action Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Bartlett.

The Pirates jumped out to a quick 14-2 lead after one quarter behind 6 early points from sophomore Evelyn Marquis and some stingy defense from her teammates.

Senior Ashtin Moro hit a couple of second quarter hoops and the Indians played much better despite being outscored 9-8 and trailing 23-10 at halftime.

The 6’1” Bercier controlled the boards in the third quarter and the Pirates continued to maintain control of the game and take a 33-19 lead into the final quarter.

Junior Molly Kirk and senior Abbey Kyei each connected on key baskets in the final quarter and the Pirates coasted down the stretch for their second win of the season.

Pirates coach Janet Hourihan praised the play of her shorthanded team. “We only had seven players but I thought we played smart, good fundamental defense without taking risks and I think the way we played we were able to get good position on them.”

Sophomore Callie Andrews filled at the point for Anissa White, who was unavailable and “played really smart at the point and didn’t turn the ball over,” said Hourihan.

“Bartlett is a very well coached team and they tried to beat us from the outside, which was a very good strategy. I was pleased that we were patient and that we took good shots.”

Hourihan also had some nice things to say about her senior co-captain. “Caroline was huge for us; not only does she block a lot of shots but she makes you change your shot as well,” said Hourihan. “She took advantage of her height and played really smart.”

“I felt pretty good tonight and I did have a huge height advantage but they were really physical with me anyway,” said Bercier.

“Going up against a tall girl like their center (Bercier) created match- up problems and forced us to change our game plan a little,” said Bartlett coach Chris Delvecchio. “I think it took us a little while to recognize what was and wasn’t available when she was on the floor and once we did that we made better decisions and our shot selection was much better in the second half.”

Delvecchio praised his senior point guard Morio, who had a nice game leading the Indians with 12 points. “She is a great leader and a fierce competitor who hates to lose and hates to make mistakes.”

The Oxford Jayvees held off a furious Indians comeback and won 40-34. Carol Statham led the Pirates with 12 points, while Wong-Kim scored 13 for the Indians in a nice losing effort.

The Oxford Pirates host Auburn on Friday, Dec. 28.

Bartlett 38 David Prouty 33
The Indians earned their first win of the year over the Panthers due to an all around effort from several players. Sophomore Danielle Marrier had a breakout game with 10 and 3 blocked shots, while freshman
Katie Kobel had 9 points and 5 assists.  Senior Ashtin Morio had a nice overall game with 3 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, and 7 assists.

Shepherd Hill 52 Northbridge 41
Senior co-captain forward Taylor Daniels scored 14 points to lead the Rams to their second win. Johanna L'Heureux added 11 points, while Brooke Packard hit 3 three-pointers for the 2-1 Rams.

The Rams will square off against the Indians in Dudley on Thursday, Dec. 27.

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Special thanks to Jacob Murphy for supplying additional stats and info for this story.