ALLENTOWN — The Allentown High School girls’ basketball team has run into a tough two weeks. Starting with the final game of the Jackson Christmas Tourna-ment, the team has been dealt three straight losses.
In the midst of a snowstorm, the Redbirds (2-6) took on Lacey on Dec. 30 in their final consolation game of the Jackson tournament.
"It was a barn-burner. We just came up on the short end," said Coach Paul Mercer.
The Redbirds made the game interesting by storming back from a 19-point deficit to have a chance to tie the game on the final shot. Even with Kelly Harchetts’ 17 points and Laura Scimeca’s 14, the Allentown cagers still came up on the short end of a 48-45 score.
The Redbirds opened 2001 by traveling to Ewing on Jan. 4. While the first half of the contest against the Blue Devils was close, the second half was not. Allentown fell behind and could not catch up, falling 75-48. Scimeca (12 points), Harchetts (10) and Michelle McInnes (9) led the Redbirds in scoring.
Next on the schedule was Hamilton-West. The Redbirds came into the game looking to turn things around. Unfor-tunately, things did not go as planned. The Redbirds’ defense could not stop the onslaught as Allentown lost 74-37. In the losing effort, Harchetts scored 14 points, including four three-point field goals, and sophomore Barbara Iannotto scored six points.
Despite the results, Mercer said he is happy with his players’ performance.
"We’re winning little victories, taking little steps. The girls are learning each game," he said.
The Redbirds hosted Notre Dame on Jan. 9 and will travel to Hightstown on Jan. 12 for a 7 p.m. meeting with the Rams.
— Keith Hahn