Chatham Varsity Girls' Basketball Victorious in Final Summer League Game

MILLBURN — The Chatham High School girls' varsity basketball team ended its play in the Sport Academy Summer League on a high note, topping Roselle Catholic 30-24 Tuesday at the Sports Academy.

After Roselle Catholic won the opening tip-off, it scored an easy layup to lead the Cougars 2-0. Chatham's Amanda Berntsen then answered the layup with two points of her own.

A back-and-forth tone dictated the play in the first 10 minutes of the first half. After captain Kelsey Hart hit a three-point shot to tie the score at 10, the Cougars were able to hold the Lions scoreless for over seven minutes.

Chatham headed into the second half of play leading 16-15.

Roselle Catholic started the half with a layup and held Chatham scoreless for five and a half minutes. Hart, however, eventually broke through the Lion defense, hitting a jump shot to bring the score to 18-17 in Chatham's favor.

Next, Caroline McCann scored five points for the Cougars to bring the score to 23-22. After Megan Connors hit a two point jump shot, Hart solidified the win by scoring four uncontested points—all on layups.

Having a strong finish does not change the expectations of senior team captains Kelsey Davies and Hart. Last year, the Cougars made it to their group championship game before eventually losing to Shabazz in Toms River.

"Summer was really successful. (The starting players) are really comfortable with each other and we are only going to keep learning," said Davies. "We want to win every game we play."

The team keeps expectations high every season. But it is the summer off-season that keeps the team sharp heading into the winter.

"We are really unique in that we have such a strong summer program. It really helps us stay sharp," said head coach Joe Gaba.