Schroeder girls coast into Class AA quarter-finals

By PAUL GOTHAM

WEBSTER, N.Y. — Four players scored in double figures as the No. 6 seed Webster Schroeder girls’ basketball team sprinted to an early lead and defeated No. 11 Wilson Magnet to advance to Friday’s Class AA quarter-finals.

Lill Northrup scored 16 points and handed out seven assists in the 77-28 win while Julia Perales added 15 points all on 3-pointers.

Lill Northrup forces the turnover and finds Anya Watkins ahead for two more. pic.twitter.com/TqFcTpvC8f

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) February 25, 2020

As a team Schroeder connected 11 times from behind the 3-point arc in the win.

“In transition, we were looking to get the ball up the floor and find open shooters,” second-year head coach Mike Grasta said. “We’re fortunate because I think we have just as many 3-point shooters if not more than anybody.

“Having a number of girls that can shoot the ball, we’re never out of any game.”

Northrup connected twice from long range in the contest. Eighth grader Sarah Ferruzza scored nine of her 11 points from behind the arc. Andraia DiPisa added seven points including a pair of triples.

Anya Watkins finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Anya Watkins takes a Lill Northrup lead and finishes. @SchroederGBball with a 23-2 advantage. pic.twitter.com/ZumLjRVaGQ

— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) February 25, 2020

With the win, Schroeder (12-9) advances to play reigning champion Bishop Kearney (17-3).

“That was one where we didn’t want to overlook it,” Grasta said of Tuesday’s win. “We just wanted to show what we’re capable of regardless of who we play.

“The offensive output is going to be necessary to take down Bishop Kearney on Friday if we’re able.”

Mariah Watkins (8), Kaitlyn Brewer (5) and Olivia Reschke (2) rounded out the scoring for Schroeder.

Naudia Wilson paced Wilson Magnet with 14 points. Marina Johnson hit three 3-pointers and finished with nine points. De’Ounce Fuller-Reed had four points while Rosa Justiniano chipped in with one free throw.

A 5 p.m. tip off is slated Friday when Schroeder travels to Bishop Kearney.