Top-seeded Hillsborough takes down Monroe behind strong shooting, defense in Central Jersey Group 4 Final

Reghan Bice won a sectional championship last year for Hillsborough, but was on the bench recovering from injury.

This year? She tied a career-high with 20 points, and helped the Raiders repeat, defeating Monroe 72-44 in the Central Jersey Group 4 Championship, a year after winning the North Jersey 2, Group 4 title.

Hillsborough used strong perimeter shooting, hitting eight three-pointers, and an aggressive defensive attack to win its second straight sectional title, and had the T-shirts to back it up.

Bice’s 20 points led the way, and Francseca Schiro added 16 of her own – with four three-pointers – as the longtime teammates spearheaded the offensive attack. Isabella Ruh scored 15 points of her own as the third Raider with double-digit points.

Hillsborough got going early with an opening 13-2 run and eventually took a 22-10 lead after the first quarter. It forced multiple turnovers and converted on the ensuing fast-break opportunities.

The Falcons took some momentum back in the second quarter, staying mostly even as the Raiders led 35-21 at halftime. They hit some big perimeter shots as well, including four made three-pointers from Sophia Rivas, three in the first half.

Monroe’s star senior guard Evangelina Francisco scored 13 points to lead the team with a trio of three-pointers. Rivas and forward Kiera Longo tied for second on the team with 12 points each.

However, Hillsborough clamped back down in the third quarter, outscoring the Falcons 23-8 and effectively putting the game away, doubling Monroe up with a 58-29 lead.

Defensively, the Raiders put plenty of pressure on Monroe’s main ballhandlers – Francisco and guard Mia Marabuto for the most part – farther away from the basket to force turnovers and speed up the Falcons on offense.

Offensively, Hillsborough navigated Monroe’s zone defense with plenty of ball movement around the perimeter and reversing the ball for open three-point attempts.

The Raiders will move on to face Cherokee in the Group 4 semifinals, as the Chiefs defeated Lenape 51-40 earlier on Saturday.

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Hillsborough guard Francesca Schiro

Hillsborough guard Reghan Bice

Hillsborough Head Coach Courtney Tierney