The Bears advance to 11-1 but Haldane looks ready to make a run through the New York State C playoffs. Briarcliff suited up only 8 and struggled with the frantic pace Haldane pushed. Ultimately, Briarcliff’s ability to rebound the basketball and score on the interior proved to be the difference.
Haldane was led by Allison Chiera, 19 points. Chiera was fourth-team NY all-state Class C last year. The junior does a great job scoring in the lane, mainly with layups from either side of the basket. She specializes in diving to the basket after setting the ball screen. Undersized but plays with a great motor.
Senior, Alexandra Cinquanta chipped in with 15 points. She got hot and quick from the outside. The Haldane team does a very nice job driving and kicking for three-point opportunities. Outside of her proficiency from the outside, Cinquanta hit a nice reverse lay-up to tighten up the game.
Senior guard, Hannah Monteleone, scored 9 points. Monteleone has a very quick release from distance. Capable driver, will play a key role for the Blue Devils to revenge last year’s Sectional Semi-Final defeat at the hands of Pines Plains. Her sister, Olivia is one of two freshmen on the team that gets minutes. The other freshman and Olivia, Olivia McDermott contributed 8 points and played key minutes during the stretch.
Briarcliff’s young trio will be a force in the B for years to come. Sophomore guard, Maddie Plank is a stud.
Chiera guards Plank
Last year, she was 7th team NY all-state Class B and her game is growing by leaps in bounds. Versatile threat that can drive the ball and shoot from deep. The consummate team player…she defends…she makes passes…hustles… dives out of bounds, whatever it takes to win. She has an A+ handle and jumpshot, crafty with the ball… D1 written all over her. George Washington was in the building to evaluate. Plank had a lot of tough luck tonight on balls rimming out. She had 12 points.
Fellow soph, Kacey Hamlin, made the two game winning plays. She is a good ballhandler and defender. She is capable around the basket. Will need to see her ability to stretch the defense to determine opportunity on the next level. Hamlin scored 15.
Freshman, Alana Lombardi was the game’s high-scoring with 25 points. Lombardi scored from inside and out, muscling her way through the undersized Haldane interior and raining three-pointers. The lefty loves the corner three. With improved handle, has a real opportunity to develop into a special player.
8th grader, Jordan Smith, was a factor on the glass and defensively. Long and lanky, with some confidence could expand her offensive game. Smith could be the x-factor for Briarcliff’s playoff chances.
