As they battle for playoff seeding, the Summit girls Middle School basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to Montgomery this afternoon, 37-33. The Hilltoppers trailed by as many as 12 points before mounting a comeback.
The first quarter was tight with Montgomery going up 7-2 before Charlotte Yarnall (2027) hit a three, followed by Emma Ryan (2027) draining a three on the next possession. The score was 12-11 Montgomery when the quarter ended.
The Hilltoppers got into some foul trouble in the 2nd, but were able to keep it tight and went to halftime down 23-17. Montgomery increased their lead in the 3rd and started the 4th quarter with a 9 point advantage.
The 4th quarter was exciting as the Hilltoppers mounted their comeback. Pulling to within 2 points, Yarnall managed a rebound on a free throw miss by Montgomery and drove the floor looking to even the score, but was called for a charge in the lane with 8 seconds to play, effectively ending their chances. Yarnall had 10 points in the 4th quarter and ended with 16. Ryan had three 3-pointers in game and ended with 14 points, while Deirdre Keenan (2027) contributed 3 points of her own.
Earlier in the week, the Lady Hilltoppers were beaten by the undefeated league leader and defending Champions Hillsborough, 44-31 in the away gym. The game was within reach at halftime, with the Hilltoppers trailing by 5, 22-17.
Hillsborough pulled away in the second half with strong defense and timely shooting, hitting 7 x 3-pointers on the day. Emma Ryan led the Hilltoppers with 11 points. Yarnall added 9 points and 9 rebounds, and Emma Easton (2027) had 3 points.
The girls complete their regular season schedule on Friday 1/27 away vs. Ridge, and will await their playoff schedule for the following week.