Delaney Lappin (4) runs the point.
By Lesley Graham
The Ocean City Girl’s Basketball team fell to rival Mainland in the South Jersey Group Three Final Monday night by a score of 27-41. The loss ends Ocean City’s 2018-19 season with a final record of 23-7.
The starting five for Ocean City were Delaney Lappin, Abbey Fenton, Emma Finnegan, Lauren Mirsky and Savanna Holt.
Kylee Watson of Mainland led all scorers with 15 on the night.
Emma Finnegan (43) shoots the three ball.
Head Coach Paul Baruffi was encouraged by his team’s play even after the loss. “I don't think we could have given any more than we did. We just struggled to put the ball in sometimes. I’m proud of them, I’m proud of the fight and they represented our team well,” said Baruffi.
The Red Raiders started strong finding a controlled rhythm offensively against the top seeded Mustangs. Abbey Fenton had the first points of the game hitting a three to put Ocean City up 3-0. Mainland answered right back and after the first 8 minutes of play, the score was knotted at seven.
As the second quarter got underway, both teams continued playing patient basketball, looking for quality shots at the basket and keeping their opponents working off ball. A slight swing in momentum in favor of the Mustangs had Ocean City down 17-11 with three minutes to go. But a timeout called by Ocean City allowed them to refocus and their suffocating defense came up with a big stop to end the half. The Red Raiders went into the locker room only down by three 21-18.
Lauren Mirsky (20) battles tough for a rebound vs. Mainland.
Mainland came out of halftime with the hot hand, putting up six unanswered points before Ocean City was fouled and converted on a free throw. Ocean City struggled to rebound on both sides of the court allowing Mainland second opportunities on missed shots. By the end of the third quarter, Mainland’s lead had grown to eight, 31-23.
With eight minutes remaining between winning or going home, Ocean City was not about to go down without a fight. Ocean City left nothing behind, battling for every loose ball, rebound and bucket. Scrappy play was evident by every member of the team who gave it their all until the final buzzer rang. With a sizable lead and under three minutes to play, Mainland moved the ball quickly around the court, stalling to eat time off the clock. Although the Red Raiders were attempting to foul get the ball back, it ultimately wasn’t enough. Battling until the end, Ocean City showed it’s grit and perseverance that was a hallmark trait all season long.
Delaney Lappin (4) runs the point.
When asked about the season as a whole, Baruffi used it as a time to reflect on the accomplishments. And as the opportunity to remind his young players, that sports have the ability to reveal character, especially in times of defeat. “I told the team to hold their heads high and be proud of winning the Cape Atlantic,” Baruffi told the team post game. “We had some real ups and a few downs. In life it’s easy to deal with the ups and hard to deal with the downs. If this is the worst thing that will happen to them, be thankful. It will sting now, but in the future, it will build their character,” stated Baruffi.
Congratulations on a great season Red Raiders.
