By DAVE YATES
WEBSTER, N.Y. — It was a bitter-sweet night for Hilton senior Mallory Heise. The St. Bonaventure commit poured in 33 points to go over 2,000 for her career, but the Cadets saw their dreams of an undefeated season come to an end with a 66-53 loss to Webster Schroeder.
At times it was like a classic game of anything you can do, I can do better as Schroeder’s Bria Watkins scored 30 for the Warriors, almost duplicating Heise’s effort.
“It’s been a rivalry with her for years,” said Heise. “We’re both tough players and it’s really fun to go against her, It’s always a battle.”
For Heise, losing at this point of the season is tough to take but it could be worse.
“We always want to come out with a win, but this will only make us stronger. It’s better to get a loss out of the way now than in sectionals.”
Heise reached the 2,000 point mark with a three-pointer from the wing late the third quarter. She was quick to make the milestone about more than just herself.
“I never could have done it without my team. Rebounding for me in practices, setting screens and getting me the ball during games, I don’t think they realize what a big part they played in it.”
Watkins accounted for six points in the third quarter when Schroeder outscored Hilton by nine to take a 45-35 advantage into the final eight minutes of play. Watkins converted 5-of-7 free throws and added 12 points in the fourth to seal the win. She has scored 1,476 points in her career. The Drexel University commit grabbed 16 rebounds and three steals.
Addie Morgan hit four 3-pointers and finished with 18 points, three steals and a block in the win. Avery Kroening added 11 points while Kylie Clement had seven points, five rebounds and two blocks for the Warriors (14-6) who head into sectional as the five seed in Class AA.
Heise hit seven 3-pointers on the night. She joins Jayla Bell (Lyons) as the only active student-athletes in Section V Girls’ Basketball with 2,000 or more points. Bell has 2,109 career points.
Maddie Murphy added seven points for Hilton. Ella Simonelli (6), Ava Heise (4) and Paige Siciliano (3) also scored for the Cadets.
Hilton (18-1), which has already wrapped up the top seed in Class AA, will close out the season tomorrow when they head to the other side of Route 104 to visit Webster Thomas.
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