By Lesley Graham
The Ocean City girls’ basketball team used a strong second quarter to defeat Absegami High School at home, 58-35.
Danielle Donoghue led all scorers with 17 points and teammate Emma Finnegan chipped in 13. The starting five for Ocean City consisting of Donoghue, Finnegan, Tori Rolls, Savannah Holt and Molly Hoffman combined for 44 points.
The Red Raiders got off to a slow start, unable to get their shots to drop and trading turnovers with Absegami. Toward the end of the first quarter, though, Ocean City was able to pick up the intensity and go on a late run to end the quarter up 14-9.
The momentum continued for the Red Raiders into the second quarter, holding Ab-segami scoreless for the first four minutes of the quarter while continuing their offensive onslaught.
Similar to the first quarter, Ocean City was able to grab a last-second steal and layup, going into the locker room up by 23 points, 37-14.
Entering the second half, Absegami was able to get some things flowing offensively, finding open shots and getting the ball to drop. Ocean City stumbled a bit on passes to the inside, but some stellar defense by Delaney Lappin kept the advantage in Ocean City’s court. The Red Raiders stayed on top, 50-22.
Absegami didn’t go down without a fight, outscoring Ocean City in the fourth quarter 13-8, but it wasn’t enough to pull ahead for the victory.
For the third time in four quarters, Ocean City used quick hands on defense for a steal and an easy layup to close out the final seconds. The Red Raiders utilized their bench, clocking quality minutes for some up- and-coming younger players.
The Red Raiders will hit the road for their next game as they take on conference oppo-nent Oakcrest on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
