Hillsborough guard Francesca Schiro drives to the basket in a win over Cherokee in the Group 4 Semifinals. (Photo: Alec Crouthamel)
In many other teams’ situations, allowing an early 10-2 run in a state semifinal could spell trouble.
But not for Hillsborough.
The Raiders ultimately came back and won 49-34 with a dominant fourth quarter after trailing early. Francesca Schiro scored a game-high 23 points to lead the way, taking over late in the game attacking the rim.
Fellow senior guard Mya Loniewski scored 13 points, with several opportunities converted from the free throw line. Alexa Gaspar added eight points in the win.
Hillsborough rallied to end the first quarter, taking a 13-10 lead before slowly pulling ahead, switching things up defensively and using more zone traps to force turnovers and get transition opportunities.
The Raiders eventually led 24-20 at halftime.
The Chiefs made another run in the third quarter, eventually retaking the lead, but Hillsborough – just like in the first quarter – didn’t panic and let its defense set up the transition offense.
With the lead in late in the fourth quarter, Hillsborough took the air out of the ball, passing around the perimeter to drain the clock. It ended the game on a big-time run to stamp its first ever state final appearance.
Brielle Alaba led Cherokee with 16 points, as the Chiefs’ pass-heavy offense opened up lanes for her and teammates early on before the defense adjusted. Freshman Leah Weiner finished with seven points.
The Raiders will play West Orange in the Group 4 final on Sunday at 4 pm, playing at Jersey Mike’s Arena at Rutgers University.
Click below for postgame reaction from Alec Crouthamel with Hillsborough head coach Courtney Tierney and guard Francesca Schiro, presented by Sportsplex at Metuchen:
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