There were only three minutes left in the game and Grand Street Campus had a commanding lead of 15 points, but that didn’t matter to Shanique Edwards, who hit the floor for a loose ball determined to rack up more points — but it wasn’t easy.
The 6-foot-1 sophomore forward was fed the ball in the paint on the ensuing possession and attempted a layup. It rimmed out, so Edwards grabbed it attempted a put back. That rimmed out, so Edwards shot another. That one hit the front of the rim, landed back in Edwards’ hands, and then she finally made the basket.
Edwards’ work ethic produced 25 points and 16 rebounds and led third-seeded Grand Street to its 71–48 win over No. 6 Midwood in the Public School Athletic League Class AA girls’ basketball quarterfinals last Sunday at Lehman College.
“She has an extremely high motor,” said Wolves coach Corey McFarlane. “And that’s something that’s good for her because it helps her to not just be a big. With bigger players, you don’t always get that. I’ve known her for four or five years and she’s always been that way.”
Edwards scored 18 of her points during the second half for Grand Street, which led throughout and advanced to face No. 2 Murry Bergtraum this weekend at a date, time and site to be determined.
Darieli Abreu, who typically starts, came off the bench in the second quarter and scored 10 points in the period. She finished with 16 points.
“With us, what you bring in practice dictates games. There are no starters, but there is a group we’d like to put out there,” McFarlane said. “For whatever reason, we felt we were best if she came off the bench today. We’ve done this with different players this season and it shows a sign of maturity. She responded to it real well today.”
Arelis Cora added 11 points for Grand Street (16–8).
Kyla Formey made four three-pointers and led Midwood (15–6) with 17 points. Alexandra Moogan made four trey for 12 points, and Jai Moore added 11 points.
While both teams shot the ball well from the outside, the difference in the game was Edwards’ ability to dominate inside the paint on both ends of the court. Midwood cut the deficit to 49–42 at the end of the third quarter, but Edwards scored four-straight points to open the fourth as Grand Street, which continues to enjoy its best season, pulled away.
“I have to hustle for everything because it’s a mental thing for me,” Edwards said. “Coach always tells us to hustle, so if I see a ball, I go get it or if I make a mistake, I just try again.”
