Girls Basketball: Patriots Punish Park to Close Regular Season

John Carroll never trailed against Park School on Wednesday afternoon to cap an eight-win improvement from last season. With the 55–18 victory against the Bruins, the Patriots also secured a tie for first place in the IAAM “B” Conference Red Division.

Making the victory even more impressive was that John Carroll (17–7, 11–2 IAAM “B”) was playing for the fourth time in as many days due to weather-related makeup games.

“I didn’t have to play,” Patriots head coach Mike Blizzard said smiling. “It certainly caused me concern. I was worried we were going to get worn out.”

The home team showed no signs of fatigue, using a 12–1 run in the first quarter to open a 14–3 lead. Miranda Ripken and Emily Soller each hit a 3-pointer during the run. Ripken led all scorers with 13 points, nine of which came in the first quarter.

“I was really tired, especially after the NDP game,” said Soller, who finished with nine points, referring to Sunday’s win over co-division champion Notre Dame Prep. John Carroll will be the higher seed in the conference tournament after winning a coin flip.

The Patriots scored the first 11 points of the second quarter to take a 25–5 lead on Park (11–8, 6–7). Talia Kahoe scored all 11 of her points in John Carroll’s 16-point second frame.

A no-look, behind-the-back pass by Maria Edwards to Amanda Wolfe for a fast-break layup pushed the lead to 40–10 midway through the third quarter. Yemaya Johnson hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the right wing to close the third with a 47–12 advantage.

Blizzard thinks the Patriots have a chance to win their conference for the third time in program history, and the first time since 1984. They are expected to host a quarterfinal game Tuesday against the winner of a first round matchup.

 “We’re trying to perfect some things,” he said. “[I’m] very happy for them. They worked very hard. I don’t think they think their work’s done.”