Gaels’ Title Run Ended by Top-Seeded Irvington

SOMERS – The No. 4 John F. Kennedy Catholic High girls basketball team dropped a 57-42 decision to No. 1 Irvington in the Section 1 Class B semifinal Sunday at the Westchester County Center.

Kennedy’s Lauren Tracy led the Gaels with nine points in a loss to Irvington in the Class B semifinal. Kennedy closes the season at 17-4, after winning just four games a year ago. Irvington (18-1) was to face No. 2 Nanuet Tuesday night in the Class B final.

The Bulldogs opened a 15-11 lead after one, and went up 33-21 at halftime.

Lauren Tracy led Kennedy with nine points and eight rebounds, and Alexa Mancuso, Allison Santini and Amanda Viteretti each had eight points for the Gaels. Santini had five rebounds, and Viteretti added five assists.

Marley Giddens had 16 points and eight rebounds top pace the Bulldogs, Riley Harrington added 13 points and eight rebounds, and Tara Gabelman chipped in with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

“We knew we were going up against the No. 1 seed, and they’re wellcoached,” Gaels coach Al Morales said. “We tried to slow their running game and play in a half-court set. It worked in the first… but they are quicker than us, and out-rebounded us ,40-20.”

The ‘Dogs also played good defense.

“They shut down Santini after the first, and that also hurt us,” Morales added. “We contained Gabelman, but the others hurt us, and they got too many second-chance baskets. But we were pleased to reach the semifinals. We reached our goals – except for getting the gold ball. But the program is in great position for the future.”