Stoughton Out-Runs Sharon in Girls Hoop

The Stoughton High School varsity girls basketball team defeated visiting in a game of runs Friday night.

The Black Knights had the two largest runs of the game, and won, 46-40.

The Senior Night win secured Stoughton (10-5) a state tournament spot.

"Our team hasn’t made tournament in a long time, so we’re extremely excited," senior Chrystal Holland said.

"It's great, it's like the best feeling in the world to not only have a Senior Night, but win."

Sharon (7-8) needs three wins in its final four games to reach the tournament.

"It’s doable, but we play tough teams and we’re going to have to come out and play," Sharon coach Kate Horsmann said.

The Eagles led 31-30 with less than 3 minutes left in the third, following a free throw by sophomore guard Karlie O’Driscoll, but didn’t score again until 3:15 left in the fourth quarter.

Over this near-eight minute stretch, Stoughton went on a 16-0 run, turning a one-point deficit into a 46-31 lead.

Holland scored 11 points during the run.

Stoughton also dialed up the pressure with a press defense, forcing multiple turnovers. Sharon had some "bad shot selection" during this stretch as well, Horsmann said.

"You need to execute and their defense just overwhelmed us," Horsmann said. "We weren't poised enough."

Sharon didn't go quietly, however. The Eagles closed the game on a 9-0 run, fueled by two 3-pointers by sophomore guard Andrea Bender.

Stoughton missed some free throws down stretch, but the Black Knights held on for the win.

Bender also keyed Sharon’s first run in the opening quarter, with two 3-pointers, helping to turn a 6-6 tie into a 14-8 Eagles lead entering the second quarter.

Bender led all scorers with 22 points, including six three-pointers.

"She's a great shooter. She was looking for her opportunity. She was making her shots tonight," Horsmann said.

"I thought she played great defensively and did a great job boxing out as well, so she had a really complete game for us."

Stoughton started the second quarter with an 18-3 run, paced by juniors Mackenzie McGrath, Emma Zuk and Daniels. The junior trio had 16 of Stoughton's 18 points in the quarter.

But Sharon closed the quarter with an 8-0 run to make it a one-point game, 26-25 at the half.

Holland led Stoughton with 13 points.