The Revere High girls basketball team, coming off their week long break from competition because of exam week, got back into action last Friday night and pummeled Winthrop, 67-41.
The contest was a bit closer than the final score might indicate, as the Lady Patriots held a slim three point advantage midway through the third period. However, at that point RHS head coach Diana DeCristoforo unleashed her charges for a full court press that soon had Winthrop on the ropes.
By the time the smoke had cleared, the ball hawking Lady Patriots had accounted for 16 steals on the night that resulted in a host of transition buckets that zoomed Revere into a lead from which they never looked back.
Junior Morgan Jenkins turned in yet another monster game against an NEC foe, as she poured in 26 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. However, Morgan had a strong supporting cast, led by freshman guard Gena Restiano, who hit for 17 points and was credited with seven steals. Marisa Parent reached double figure with 12 points and dished out eight assists. Freshman Caitlyn Caramello continued to contribute in a multitude of ways, making her mark on the state sheet with four assists and three steals.
In addition, DeCristoforo was quick to laud the defensive efforts of senior captain Nicole Kjersgard, Ashley DeFraia, and Melissa Adreani, who did a nice job in neutralizing Winthrop’s lanky pivot girl, Johnna Fisher.
“We always emphasize defense, because if our offense is not clicking, the defense will keep you in the game,†said DeCristoforo. “Tough defense also sets up your offense, and that is what keyed our win against Winthrop.â€
The game also was highlighted by the appearance of a large contingent of Revere youth basketball girls who turned out to root on their Lady Patriot big sisters.
“It was really nice for the older girls to get that kind of support and for the younger girls to see the high school team in action. It was a nice boost for our program,†said DeCristoforo.
DeCristoforo and her crew, who now stand at a sterling 8-3 on the season (which is just two wins shy of qualifying for a state tourney berth), embark on a busy stretch that will see them play six games in the next 14 days. The stretch also will see the girls take a trip to yesteryear (at least for Coaches DeCristoforo and Chamberlin) when they take on two former long time GBL foes in Malden and Medford.
The Lady Patriots traveled to Swampscott last night (Tuesday) and will play at Medford tonight. They will entertain Danvers Friday night and Malden next Monday before traveling to Salem next Tuesday.
