E.T. Richardson girls' seventh-grade basketball team opened season

The E.T. Richardson’s seventh-grade girls’ basketball team opened its season with three consecutive league wins. The team consists of 14 highly-skilled girls who are looking to continue to improve as players. The team is averaging 32 points per game while limiting its opponents to single digits.
ETR 31
Springton Lake 6
The Cougars jumped out to a commanding 12-point first-quarter lead and never looked back.
Jamie Brower was dominant in the paint as she recorded six first-quarter points,benefited from some excellent passes by Mackenzie Schott. The backcourt of Maggie O’Connell and Jill Kane combined for 11 points as the game was decided by halftime with the Cougars firmly in control 15-0.
The inside play of Amanda Hopkins with four points and Jill Condon with two points kept the offense rolling. Springton Lake had difficulty with the size advantage of the Cougar frontline throughout the game. More than half of the team’s points came from the lane as Stephanie McCann would chip in with a basket while playing stellar defense.
The balance of scoring was evident as eight players scored points of the 12 that played. Bridget Whitaker and Kiley Fasy would also find the bottom of the net as the team led 30-0 entering the final quarter. Courtney Clark and Erika Biehl hustled at both ends of the floor while also having opportunities to score. Bailey O’Brien was a burst of energy coming off the bench sparking her team to two easy baskets after tracking down two loose balls for teammate’s points.
The defense would allow six fourth-quarter points as they coasted to their first victory of the young season.
ETR 36
Beverly Hills 8
The team traveled to Beverly Hills, Dec. 19, and left with an easy victory over the hospitable Bears. The balanced scoring by the Cougars was evident as 10 players scored the ball. Mackenzie Schott and Jamie Brower led their team with six points each. Colleen Culbertson led the offense as she started the game at point guard. Culbertson dished three assists while not having a turnover in the game. She also hit two outside jump shots to spark her team to a 21-2 first-half advantage.
Jill Condon and Stephanie McCann scored early as they dominated the inside play. Jamie Brower and Gianna Zulli muscled inside as they combined to score 10 points, all from in the paint. The team was led once again by the passing game as Jill Kane and Bailey O’Brien continued to find their open teammates for open looks. This dynamic duo each scored four points and played excellent defense. Kiley Fasy and Erika Biehl came off the bench to spark their team to an 8-0 third-quarter run that would put the game out of reach. They hit on three of their four shots taken. Bridget Whitaker and Courtney Clark did what they do best -- cause havoc for their opposition. These two teammates combined for four steals and six rebounds to limit the Bears offensively.
The team continues to improve as they have developed a positive chemistry on the floor.
E.T. Richardson 28
Drexel Hill 8
The high-flying Cougars jumped out to a commanding 13-point lead as they declawed the Falcons from Drexel Hill. Jill Kane and Maggie O’Connell set the tone as they scored off of the tip to register the first basket in three seconds. The starting backcourt combined for 10 points all within the first quarter of play. The visiting Falcons fell behind by eight points before taking a shot. Jamie Brower was, again, a force inside as she scored five points to lead her team in the paint. Courtney Clark had her best shooting day of the season as she led her team with seven points. Clark’s hard work at practice paid off for her team in the scoring column.
The Cougars lead advancedin the second quarter to 20-2 as Bailey O’Brien and Colleen Culbertson knocked down two outside shots.
Amanda Hopkins also chipped in with a basket as the rout was on its way. Stephanie McCann and Gianna Zulli combined to haul in seven rebounds as the Drexel Hill squad was over-matched inside. Mackenzie Schott would do what she does best -- setting up her teammates for easy baskets. Schott assisted on two baskets while recording two steals.
Kiley Fasy and Erika Biehl led their team in the hustle department as they played outstanding defense, while also having chances to score. The team cruised to its third consecutive victory and look to make things happen in the highly competitive league.