By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer
vlewis@sjsports.com
Ending the season with a seven game-winning streak is a great momentum builder right before the upcoming state tournament. Collingswood was that team as coach Nancy O’Neill watched her Lady Panthers roll past Camden Catholic 48-31 on the Irish home court. Collingswood would start this non-league game off strong and stayed ahead of their opponent all game. Camden Catholic just could not get the shots to fall on this day and the Lady Panthers took full advantage. Collingswood attacked the basket on offense as they were determined to finish the season strong with a win.
The different styles of play were quite evident as the Irish exhibited a sense of calmness on the court. Not rushing their offense, Camden Catholic patiently waited for the open player to get a good shot off toward the basket. The problem with that, the shot must fall through the hoop in order to score points. During the first half, the Irish had good first, second and even third good chances to score on the offensive boards. The Irish could not take full advantage of the opportunities given to them.
Collingswood, behind sharp shooter Ashlee Feldman, attacked the basket against the 3-2 defense. That aggressive play built an early 7-0 lead, but the start of this back and forth battle during the first half begun when Camden Catholic tie the game at 10 all late in the initial quarter. This close match up continued that way until the beginning of the second half. Trailing by two points, 22-20, the Lady Irish quickly found themselves down by double-digits.
Once the final eight minutes were put on the clock, it was no secret that Camden Catholic had to quicken their offense. Collingswood was not going to wait around as they continued their aggressive play and outscored the Irish by seven in the final quarter to earn the victory. Ashlee Feldman finished with a game high 23-points and Staci Waligorski finished with 10 points for Collingswood. Camden Catholic was led by Emily Cuneo who finished with 10 points.
