VIDEO: Secaucus tops Old Tappan to claim Poli tournament title | ||
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Secaucus is undoubtedly a small team. But the Patriots proved they can play big when it counts, beating Old Tappan to capture the prestigious Joe Poli Holiday Tournament girls' basketball title. A big third-quarter run gave Secaucus a 10-point lead, and it held on to beat the Golden Knights 51-48. Senior Julia McClure led the Patriots, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. McClure hit a pair of crucial buckets in the fourth quarter after Old Tappan sliced the deficit to just two points.
Secaucus, a Group I school, completed its impressive run through the tournament held annually at Pascack Valley High School. The Patriots topped Paramus Catholic in the first round before defeating the hosts in the semifinals. Kristina Ulrich scored 15 points in the final victory. Andie Lennon had 10 points and six assists for the Patriots. Kailyn Sytsma paced Old Tappan, sinking four three-pointers and scoring 19 points overall. Ariana Chipolone had 14 points for the Golden Knights and point guard Emily Crivani added 10. Old Tappan, which upset Northern Highlands in the semifinals, is now 3-2 on the season. Secaucus improves to 6-0. McClure, who will play next year at Wagner College, has averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds per game thus far. For sports video highlights of this North Jersey high school girls' basketball holiday tournament final game, click play in the box at left. |