Taking better care of the ball played a big part in the Joel Barlow High girls basketball team staying within reach of New Fairfield last week.
The Falcons had fewer turnovers on Thursday, Feb. 1, when they took on the Rebels at home. What they needed was a few more players breaking into the scoring column in what resulted in a 41-33 loss.
“They’re a top four team in the league,” said Barlow head coach Joe Carollo. “We were right there. I think it was anybody’s game to win.”
Due in part to missing several layups, Barlow netted just six points in the first quarter, with Sarah Ashgar (one three-pointer) and Avery Vanderburg accounting for their scoring in the frame. At the other end of the court, Barlow’s defense allowed just two of the Rebels to score, but with Kaitlyn Mangan and Caity Rea each netting five points their team led 10-6 after one frame.
Barlow picked up the pace offensively in the following frame, as four players found the net. The Rebels, however, were propelled by their ability to sink several three point shots by Caity Flanagan and Brenna Romanello to increase their lead. Agnes Davis hit one of her own and the Falcons were also helped by baskets from Mackenzie Sickinger and Mia Tartaglia but trailed by ten (27-17) at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Falcons’ defense forced a number of turnovers and managed to hold the Rebels to single-digit scoring, with only four points coming on field goals, all by Rea. With Davis and Vanderburg each sinking five, as well as Tartaglia adding a free throw, the Falcons got within striking distance of their opponent as they trailed just 34-28 after three frames.
Starting the fourth quarter with a three-pointer by Tartaglia, the Falcons cut the lead to 34-31, causing the Rebels to call a timeout. Unfortunately for the hosts, they would net just two more points for the rest of the game (also courtesy of Tartaglia), despite getting a number of good looks at the basket. Barlow was also called for a number of fouls, and the Rebels responded by sinking five of eight shots to keep their lead safe.
“We did some really good things,” said Carollo. “And we did some things that we have to do better in order to win against a very good team.”
Vanderburg led Barlow with 10 points, Davis and Tartaglia each sank eight, the former getting two three-pointers and the latter one. Sickinger finished with four points and Ashgar had three (one three-pointer.
“We didn’t have as many turnovers as we’ve had in a couple of our losses, which is great,” said Carollo. “I had five girls score. I wish we could’ve gotten some other people in the scoring column.”
Barlow visited Weston Monday and is home to Brookfield on Tuesday. Tip-off for both is at 6 p.m.
