Lady Spartans maintain hot pace, improve to 6-1

Senior Alexandra Clark continued her hot scoring with a game-high 24 points to lead Elmont to a 55-32 Conference AA-III girls’ basketball victory at Valley Stream Central on Jan. 11.

Clark, who has scored in double digits in six of seven games, had nine points in the third quarter as the Lady Spartans (4-1 in conference play, 6-1 overall) began to pull away. Juniors Goldie Harrison and Bria Fisher added seven points apiece.

“It didn’t feel like we won by 23,” Elmont coach Tom Magno said. “It was closer than the score shows. It’s a tough gym if you’re not used to it.”

Christina Rivera had 11 points to lead Central, which failed to outscore Elmont in any quarter. The Lady Eagles were held to one point in the opening quarter and couldn’t match Elmont’s depth.

“Alex is scoring consistently,” Magno said of Clark, who hit for 23 points in a 56-32 win over Great Neck South on Jan. 7 and is averaging 15.4 per game. “She’s making the most of her opportunities, and we’re also getting everybody involved.”

Getting teammates involved is one of the primary responsibilities for Harrison, who has made a smooth transition in her first season as the starting point guard. “She sees the floor well and can drive to the basket if the defense plays off her,” Magno said. “She gets to the line a lot.” Five of Harrison’s points against Central came on free throws, as did four of her 10 points against Great Neck South.

Fisher is getting the job done in the high post and posted a double-double against Great Neck South as well as in the team’s only defeat so far—53-41 at Mepham on Jan. 4. She’s a key under the boards along with senior Ariana Brantley, one of the first players Magno looks to off the bench.

Elmont’s defense has been led by Clark and junior Kyla Ridley, while sophomore Cassandra Chery is showing the ability to make things happen inside and outside the paint.

“So far, so good,” Magno said. “Next time we see Mepham, we need to protect the ball better and rebound.”

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