Highland Advances To Finals Easily Under Watchful Eye

High School Basketball:
Highland Advances To Finals Easily Under Watchful Eye

By Crystal Parker
SJSports Staff Writer

There are different methods a team uses to motivate themselves before a big game. This year’s group playoffs are no difference as the ultimate prize is a state championship. The Lady Tartans from Highland have been recognized as one of the best girl’s basketball teams in the state. So when Highland flexed their muscles against Manchester Township, they continued to totally crush their opponent the rest of the way. Maybe the results had nothing to do with their next opponent, the Lady Tigers from Woodrow Wilson, sitting in the stands after they had advanced with their win over Timber Creek earlier this afternoon. Or maybe, Highland’s 83-28 victory over Manchester Township was a sign of a team not letting anything stand in their way. Nevertheless, the finals between Highland and Woodrow Wilson will feature two teams with the talent and confidence to capture the crown.

It was just over a minute remaining in the first quarter when Manchester Township finally scored their first 2 points of this game. The only problem they were facing was that Highland had just scored twenty-five unanswered points to start this Group 3 semifinals match-up. The deadly trio of Sharnee Zoll, Lisa Steele and Danielle Hemerka not only scored most of Highland’s points, but also got their teammates involved in the game. The Lady Tartans ended the quarter with a 31-2 advantage and continued to rout the fourth ranked Manchester Township 40-5 with 3:04 remaining in the half. Zoll running the point had every option available for her to either find Steele on the perimeter, Danielle Hemerka inside or even take the shot herself.

With this game already decided before halftime, Highland would easily remain undefeated with their 27-0 record. During the final quarter, Danielle Hemerka was recognized for grabbing her 1000th rebound of the season. Lisa Steele scored a game high 24 points, Sharnee Zoll added 19 points and Danielle Hemerka added 18 points for the top seeded Lady Tartans from Highland. Jadis Rhodin had a team high 10 points for the Hawks from Manchester Township. Next up are the South Jersey Group 3 finals on Monday against the number two seeded Woodrow Wilson Lady Tigers at Cherry Hill East High School.