Huskies & Hilltoppers Clash in Class AA Match-up

The Huskies welcomed Worcester Academy to Smith Gymnasium today for a Class AA Match-up. The Hilltoppers owned the first quarter racing out to a 23-8 lead behind the sharp shooting of Cam Rust and company. 

New Hampton's Ali Campbell '25 entered the game in the second quarter and provided the spark her team needed. She was active on the boards giving the Huskies opportunities for second chance points while sophomore Elyse Ngenda attacked the paint and ignited a 14-6 run for the Huskies heading into halftime.

The third quarter saw more back-and forth action between these two teams who are battling for a bid in the upcoming NEPSAC tournament. Ne'vaeh Buntley '23 played with renewed passion as she helped the Huskies outscore the Hilltoppers once again. She and junior point guard Tahlia Pena knocked down key 3-pointers while Adriana Hernandez finished a strong drive to the hoop. The Hilltoppers, however, still maintained an 11-point lead (36-47) heading in the final quarter.

The Huskies saved some of their best work for the last 8 minutes, netting 23 points of their own while limiting WA to 16. Casey Stores '27 picked up the defensive intensity and grabbed 3 rebounds, Pena knocked down two more 3's, Ava Perry '27 was fouled by Rust (her 5th) and sank both free throws, and Ngenda and Buntley chipped in with 6 points apiece. With :27 remaining, New Hampton took its first lead of the game (59-58), but Worcester's Elyse MacDonough had an "and 1" to put the visitors back on top. The Huskies had a chance to tie it up after Worcester returned the favor and fouled Buntley in the paint, but unfortunately both free throws rimmed out. The Huskies were forced to foul in the waning seconds and the Hilltoppers made good on one of two shots to bring today's final score to 59-63.  

There were numerous highlights for the Huskies today as well as many important lessons learned for this young squad - all of which will serve them well the rest of this season and beyond. 

Buntley - 19 pts., 8 rebs, 2 ast.
Ngenda - 16 pts., 8 rebs., 5 ast. 3 stl.
Pena - 12 points (4-for-5 3PT.)