Bears Eliminate Dutchies

BREWSTER—Emily Tapio came through with what has become a typical effort for her – 29 points, eight assists, seven blocks and seven rebounds – and Vania Simpri also played strong with 13 points and 12 rebounds, to power the Brewster High girls basketball team to a 66-52 victory over Tappan Zee in the first round of the Class A playoff tournament Friday night at Brewster.

Emily Tapio of Brewster soars to the basket in win over Tappan Zee Friday. Tapio finished with 29 points. SKIP PEARLMAN The No. 13 Dutchies (8-8) gave Brewster some problems at times, but for the most part the Bears took care of business.

Brewster led 14-11 after one, 30-24 at halftime, and 48-38 at the end of three quarters.

The No. 5 Bears, who improved to 15-4, were scheduled to face No. 4 Peekskill yesterday (Wednesday) in a quarterfinal game. The winner advances to the semifinals at the County Center on February 22 and 23. Brewster made it to the semis last year before losing to Albertus Magnus.

Brewster’s Rori Stark drives toward the basket in win over TZ. SKIP PEARLMAN Against TZ, Brewster’s Marisa Delzio and Lauren Quattrocchi each contributed eight points.

“I knew it would be a difficult game,” Bears coach Doris Schukin said. “Maybe not a normal first-round game. They (TZ) never gave up. We were up 17 at one point, but they just kept coming.”

But Schukin got what she expected from her top players.

“Tapio stepped up big for us,” Schukin said. “And we played well as a team. I think with Simpri and Tapio we controlled the boards a little better. When we got to the second half it was critical for us to play well. We got the important rebounds and assists, and the girls played well. And defensively, Rori Stark came in and was a spark plug for us.”

Vania Simpri pulled down 12 rebounds in win over TZ. SKIP PEARLMAN Schukin was expecting a tough game at Peekskill.

“We know Peekskill is a very athletic and physical team,” Schukin said. “I think it will be an evenly matched game.”

But the coach added that the Bears have been playing some of their best basketball recently, and she believes they are ready to be tested.

“I think with our experience, getting to the semifinals last year… that should be helpful,” the coach said. “We could be playing a little bit better now, but we’re very close (to peak form). The kids have really turned it on in the last couple of games.”
Marisa Delzio glides to the basket Friday for two of her eight points. SKIP PEARLMAN