ATHOLTON GIRLS HOLDS OFF RIVER HILL

by Tim Brackney

In a rematch of last season's Howard County's girls'  basketball finals, Atholton High edged River Hill, 58-55, in Columbia Friday evening.

Senior guard Elie Snyder scored a game-high 21 points for Atholton (8-2, 8-0). Forward Alicia Seelaus finished with 14 points to lead River Hill (9-3, 6-2).

The Raiders, who won last year's Class 2A state championship and county crown, had to hold on until the end as a three-point attempt by River Hill's Alex Vega rimmed out. Atholton won despite missing three of four free throws in closing seconds.

"They beat us last year in a similar situation on a buzzer beater three pointer, so I was holding my breath the whole time," said Atholton coach Maureen Shacreaw. "I was trying to get us to slow the ball down a bit [toward the end], but it’s hard to tell these kids to slow down. We love to push the ball.  It was a good win."

Seelaus got the Hawks to within 57-55 with 23 seconds remaining in regulation with a free throw, then Elie Snyder was fouled. Snyder missed both free throws, but Brittany Coughlan intercepted a long pass and was fouled immediately with three seconds remaining. Coughlan converted one of two free throws, giving River Hill one last chance.

Trailing at halftime, Atholton switched from its pressure defense to a half court zone, and the Hawks took advantage with Seelaus and Ryan Dannelly. Dannelly (10 points) scored five straight points, including a traditional three point play, to give the Hawks their first lead, 41-39, with just under a minute left in the third quarter.

"I gambled and tried to make the other players beat us, going triangle and two," said Shacreaw, "but it backfired."

The first quarter started off fast for the Raiders as they used a full court trapping defense to force many Hawks turnovers.  The veteran Atholton squad, returning four starters and starting five seniors, forced the tempo and jumped to a 9-2 lead just minutes into the game.

Snyder and Coughlan did most of the initial damage, contributing 12 of the Raiders 20 first quarter points. Coughlan finished the game with 11 points, including two three-pointers. 

“She’s a four year varsity starter,” said Shacreaw, “and is one of our most consistent players.  She’s really developed into a clutch player and leader for us every since she’s been on varsity.” 

Atholton 58, River Hill 55
River Hill  11    15    17    12-55  
Atholton 20    12     8     18-58

River Hill: Collier 10, R Dannelly 10, McCarthy 6, S Robinson 5, Seelaus 14, Sims 7, Vega 3. Totals 21 9-16 55.
Atholton: B. Snyder 2, E. Snyder 21, Mitzner 1, Coughlan 11, Conroy 11, Chapman 12. Totals 19 13-28 58. Halftime: Atholton 32, River Hill 26.