Girls Varsity Basketball | 12/29/2024 8:19:00 AM
The Union Catholic girls' basketball team continued to showcase their offensive firepower when the Vikings rolled to a 71-41 victory over Bound Brook to win the Championship at the Crusader Holiday Classic on Saturday in Bound Brook
Bound Brook came in with a 4-1, but were no match for Union Catholic's defensive prowess and offensive firepower.
From the opening tip, Union Catholic showed they were ready for the challenge. The team came out with a quick pace, using their aggressive defense and fast breaks to create early opportunities. Senior guard Gabrielle Ziegenbalg was a key contributor, draining a pair of three-pointers in the first quarter and leading her team with 18 points. Ziegenbalg's shooting, combined with the presence of Hailey Mullaney and Emily Mattson, gave the Crusaders a solid 18-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Bound Brook fought back in the second quarter, with Emma Baker and Jayden Campbell leading the charge. Baker hit a couple of key free throws, and Campbell, with her quick drives to the basket, kept Bound Brook in the game. However, Union Catholic's defensive pressure was relentless. They dominated the boards, grabbing 44 rebounds as a team, with Mullaney and freshman Lentia Hasan each pulling down eight boards. UC's ability to control the glass and stifle Bound Brook's offense kept them comfortably ahead. At halftime, Union Catholic led 33-17.
Coming out of the break, Bound Brook made a push. Their offense, led by Campbell, managed to score 18 points in the third quarter, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Union Catholic maintained its composure, with Mullaney contributing 16 points and making key assists throughout the game. The Vikings moved the ball with precision, registering 19 assists. Sabrina Hackett and Sophie Peterson helped orchestrate the offense, each contributing with their own steals and defensive plays.
Union Catholic, now 3-1 on the season, racked up 12 steals in the game, converting turnovers into fast-break points. By the end of the third quarter, Union Catholic's lead had ballooned to 50-35.
As the final buzzer sounded, Union Catholic celebrated their dominant performance, capturing the Crusader Holiday Classic trophy. The balanced attack, team defense, and selfless passing were evident throughout the game.
Ziegenbalg, with 44 points and nine 3-pointers in the tournament (she scored 26 vs. Timothy Chritian on Friday), was named the MVP of the Tournament. Her leadership on the court, both offensively and defensively, helped propel Union Catholic to the title. Ziegenbalg's poise in clutch moments and her ability to take over the game when it mattered most earned her the recognition she deserved.
Mullaney also had a strong performance on Saturday, finishing with 16 points and playing a crucial role in the team's defense and rebounding. Union Catholic's total of 44 rebounds and 19 assists highlighted their all-around dominance.
Union Catholic's dominat 71-41 victory was a testament to their all-around team effort. As they hoisted the Crusader Holiday Classic trophy, it was clear that thi team could build something special, with a promising season ahead. And with Gabrielle Ziegenbalg being named MVP, the Vikings had a lot to celebrate both on and off the court.
