By: Neil Hay
It took six games and double overtime, to boot but the Hightstown girls’ basketball team has won its first game of the season.
The Rams outlasted host Ewing Tuesday, 57-44. In a matchup of two struggling programs, the Rams outscored the Blue Devils 13-0 in the second extra session to claim that coveted first victory.
How was Hightstown able to score 13 unanswered points in that second overtime? Especially on the road?
"We were able to be more aggressive, and a lot of their key players fouled out because we were more aggressive," said Coach Gary Bushelli.
True enough. The scorebook shows that Hightstown made only one basket in the second overtime. The Rams’ other points came at the foul line, where the locals converted 11 of 12 free throws.
And the girls after the game? "They were very excited with the win," said Bushelli. "We did not play well in the first half. We had bad luck. The shots were there, but they didn’t fall. The girls were very tentative, especially on defense. We played better in the second half. We built a lead, but couldn’t make our free throws and they came back."
The game was tied 40-40 after regulation. Each side scored four points in the first five-minute session. But it was all Hightstown in the second OT, when it made free throws when they counted most.
Laura Boyce had 19 points to lead all scorers. Alysia Townsend and Jenna Christie each had 10, and Autrice Michael added eight.
Besides contributing on the offensive end, Christie played a big game on defense. Bushelli put a box-and-1 to collar Ewing’s top shooter Danielle Preston. Preston finished with 12 points, but none came while being guarded by Christie.
"Jenna Christie had the best game. She is stepping up. She gives one hundred percent every time. She is a dream to coach."
Now that that first win is in the book, Bushelli feels his team will play better basketball.
"I think the pressure’s off. We are more relaxed now."
Wednesday night Hightstown hosted Carteret in a non-league add-on to the schedule. The Middlesex County team was impressive in a hard-fought 67-60 win over the Rams.
"It was close all the way," said Bushelli afterwards. "A good game."
Kayla Miller led the locals with 16 points, followed by Townsend’s 15 and 14 (with four three’s) by Boyce.
Talking to Bushelli, you would never think his team had just fell to 1-6 while the Ramblers improved to 6-2.
"I am really happy, the happiest I think I’ve ever been after a loss. Carteret is a quality team with quality players. I am pleased. We played well, we rebounded well, we passed the ball well. I have no complaints."
Carteret is a guard-oriented team, and Hightstown was unable to stop the Ramblers’ point guard Jimenez, who scored 22 points and had more than a dozen assists, according to Bushelli.
"That point guard was just too good. She was the difference. A great player."
