A Fitting End for Chatham's Seniors

It wasn't enough that all five Chatham senior girls started Thursday night's varsity basketball game against St. Elizabeth's at Chatham High School.

Each of the five also scored multiple baskets, leading the 18-4 Cougars to a triumphant 59-30 win on Senior Night. The game marked the team's final regular season home game.

"We played really well as a group and were able to just knock down our shots tonight, which was nice," said Chatham senior Emily Frank.

Chatham came out shooting. The team hit three of its seven three-pointers in the first quarter, and Frank made one of them.

"It was nice for the five of us to play together for one last time before we graduate," she said.

Chatham continued its dominance in the second quarter. It went on a 10-0 run and a 7-0 run and was led by junior Kelsey Davies, who contributed eight of her 11 points. The Cougars held the Panthers to just three points in the period, and by halftime, the score was already 32-12 in favor of the Lady Cougars.

"We played very well," said Chatham Head Coach Joe Gaba. "We shot the ball very well, and for senior night, we couldn't ask for a better time to have them come out.  I was happy with how everyone who stepped on the floor played very well tonight."

Strong defense and solid shooting contributed to Chatham's longest run on the night—a 12-0 run in the third quarter.

"Everyone just relaxed and had a lot of fun," said senior captain Caroline Murphy. "It was a little sad, but it was also exciting to play with all my friends for the last time."

Frank led the Cougars with 13 points, while Davies contributed 11 and sophomore Amanda Berntsen had seven. In total, 11 of the team's 13 players contributed points in the victory.

"I think they are awesome," admitted St. Elizabeth's head coach Phil Petillo. "They run a class act here between the coaches and players. I wish them all the best for the rest of this season."

Prior to the game, Chatham honored its seniors by presenting each of them them flowers and balloons. Coach Gaba also personally complimented each individual for their strengths and effort.  The five seniors honored were Frank, Murphy, Christin Campbell, Jenny Spinner and Camille Berger.

"We ask a tremendous amount from all of [them Chatham seniors] in the offseason," Gaba said. "I am glad that this group is having the season they are having. Hopefully we can send them off with a couple more banners in the gym."

Chatham will take on rival Hanover Park in the Morris County Tournament semifinals on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Farleigh Dickinson University's Florham Park campus.

"We feel really confident and think we have a good shot at winning and making it to our first finals," Frank said.

After the game, Gaba reminded his players to focus on the tournament match-up and on what they need to do to remain successful.

"We just have to be ready and play hard and not be taken out of our game," said Gaba. "We have to dictate the tempo and just play our game. We are playing very well right now."