By: Sean Moylan
Despite a strong second half by the Scotties, Johnson Regional defeated Bordentown, 60-42, in last Wednesday’s (March 4th) Group II Central Jersey playoff game at Johnson.
"We came out real slow and had a bad first half. We were down by a lot (30-11) and couldn’t come back," said Bordentown senior all-star guard Randi Temple, who netted 10 points in the contest.
Amazingly, with no true center or power forward, Bordentown easily defeated South River to advance to the playoff game versus Johnson. Tochi Shilow, a 5 foot 4 inch senior who, often takes turns with Temple as the team’s "listed center," scored a club-high 16 points versus Johnson, and was a key player in the Scotties outscoring Johnson by a point (31-30) in the second half.
"We really don’t have the height. So when it comes to matching up (it’s tough)," noted Temple.
What the Scotties did have this season was blazing speed and desire. That desire led to them recording their first playoff win in 14 years.
And while Latoya Taylor (five points), Emily Napolitano (four points), Taryn Lynch (five points) and Meghan McDonald (two points) all played well in spurts versus Johnson, no player has done more for the Scotties over the past four years than Temple.
"It was nice to get the win (versus South River), but I thought we could have won this game (Johnson)," said Temple, who ended her career at Bordentown with 1361 pointsthe second highest total in the school’s history.
Temple’s longtime good friend Erin Walton just ended her career at Northern with an even 1400 pointsthat’s a school record. The two sharp-shooting friends used to play CYO basketball together and have remained close ever since. On off days, they would even go to each other’s basketball games.
"We always used to shoot around at each other’s houses," added Temple.
Soon both friends will play in the Al Carino All-Star basketball game. Unfortunately, it will probably be the last time each suits up to play a high school basketball contest.
Bordentown ended its dream season with a 17-8 record. Head Coach Sharon Conover did a nice job of implementing a strong team defense. And with Lynch, Napolitano, Taylor, Lauren Nucera, Christine Della Fave and Rosie Fendak all scheduled to be back, Bordentown should be strong next year. Nonetheless, the Scotties will surely miss Temple and Shilowfor four years they’ve been nothing short of brilliant. And great shooters like Temple and Walton don’t grow on trees.
