By Garrett Hemmerich
WEST MILFORD – The Lady Highlanders couldn’t overcome a dominant second quarter by Wayne Valley Jan. 3, losing to the Indians 64-40 at home.
“They are the defending Passaic County champs and basically return their entire team this year,” said Highlander’s Head Coach Ray LaCroix. “We are a young team and are not at that level yet when they are firing on all cylinders like that.”
Freshman point guard Rachel Chandler was named the Player of the Game for West Milford after scoring 13 points, including three 3-pointers.
Junior forward Ashley Jacobs also had a strong game for the Lady Highlanders with 12 points and 10 rebounds, but in the end, it wasn’t enough.
West Milford started the game strong, playing solid defense and causing multiple turnovers.
After a buzzer-beater from sophomore Amanda Gerold to end the first quarter, the score was 14-19 in favor of the Indians.
The second quarter, however, was a different story with Wayne Valley scoring 13 unanswered points.
The Lady Highlanders were held scoreless until just over two minutes to go in the half and the score was 19-39 at the break.
West Milford started the second half strong once again, scoring two quick 3-pointers, but the Indians answered with some nice shots of their own and never let the Lady Highlanders back in the game.
The score at the end of the third quarter was 30-52 and Wayne Valley would only add to its lead in the fourth.
“Playing great teams has helped us get better and to rise to the challenge,” said coach LaCroix. “We play them again later in January and our goal will be to close the gap.”
The Lady Highlanders (3-4) beat Cliffside Park 46-40 in an away contest on Jan. 5 and are scheduled to play the Fair Lawn Cutters next on Jan. 8.