Midwood fell to the Staten Island Tech girl’s basketball team on Dec. 29, giving up a 50–37 loss at Murry Bergtraum in Manhattan.
The Midwood Hornets came out ahead after the first quarter, but Staten Island’s Gabriella Marinaccio entered into the second round shooting and never stopped.
“That’s as good as I’ve seen her shoot since she’s been here,” said Staten Island Tech senior Kaitlyn Astel.
The junior guard scored a career high 19 points. She connected on three of her six three point attempts in a decisive second quarter to help propel Staten Island over Midwood during the crucial game, which was part of the Tayshana “Chicken” Murphy Memorial Classic.
“I felt it today, more so than any other day,” Marinaccio said about her stellar performance.
The same could be said for her teammates. Midwood led 6–5 after the first quarter, but Seagulls coach Peter LaMarca felt his club just needed time to find their stroke in the cold gym.
It didn’t take long: three Staten Island Tech players combined for six three pointers in the quarter. That included a four point play from Marinaccio that helped the Seagulls take a 27–11 lead into the break. Astel led the way with 20 points and Kelin Walsh added six.
“If we are all on, we’re unstoppable,” Marinaccio said.
Nagging team injuries forced Midwood coach Mike Moore to play zone defense. He tried to stretch the coverage as far as he could, but ultimately fell short. That, coupled with the Hornets’ failure to connect, certainly dimmed the team’s chances.
Midwood hoopster Camera Miley tallied 18 points and Monet Keane-Dawes added eight.
Looking back on Thursday’s game, LaMarca said he would love to see his team’s shooting stay exactly as it was against Midwood.
“Gabby was on fire,” LaMarca said. “I hope she is like that until March.”
Reach reporter Colin MIxson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.
