SACO — Sophomore point guard Alex Hart scored 13 points to go with nine rebounds Saturday as Thornton Academy earned a 54-38 victory against Scarborough in an SMAA girls’ basketball game.

“(Hart) is amazing,” said Scarborough Coach Mike Giordano. “She’s a nightmare matchup for pretty much anybody, she’s so darn quick.”

Hart also chipped in with four assists and a block for the Trojans (7-1).

“I normally play better when I’m relaxed and I was pretty relaxed,” said Hart.

“(Hart’s) athleticism is unparalleled,” said Thornton Coach Eric Marston. “I thought she played a complete game, for sure.”

Hart underwent surgery for a torn labrum in her shoulder last July, which she said has helped her improve her outside game. She knocked down a pair of 3-pointers against the Red Storm.

“After I got surgery, I think my shoulder just felt more comfortable, so I started shooting more and it’s been working,” said Hart.

“This year we laid off (Hart) a bit to take the dribble penetration away but she started making perimeter shots,” said Giordano. “When she starts (making outside shots), I’m not sure there’s an answer for her.”

Scarborough (3-4) took a 7-4 lead after Brooke Malone stole the ball and converted a three-point play.

“We always have a war against Scarborough, every time. They’re well-coached,” said Marston.

Thornton answered immediately. Forward Ashley Howe knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers, sparking an 11-0 run that stretched into the second quarter.

Howe scored 11 points and grabbed five boards for the Trojans.

Scarborough hung close, trailing 22-18 at halftime.

“Scarborough played extremely well in the first half and I thought we played pretty well,” said Marston. “But as the kids were saying when I came in (to the locker room): ‘We need to do the little things better and execute better.’ I thought they did that in the second half.”

The Trojans outscored the Red Storm 19-9 in the third quarter, which has been a tough quarter for Scarborough this season.

“We started executing more (in the third quarter) and instead of trying to run plays, we just played the game and got fast breaks,” said Hart. “Everybody started hitting their shots and we played together more.”

“The last three games, that third quarter has been our Achilles’ heel and we just can’t get going in those first three or four minutes,” said Giordano.

Trailing 32-22 with 4:24 left in the third quarter, Giordano called a timeout. While in the huddle talking to his team, Giordano was hit with a technical foul.

“I’m just defending my kids. If I get a technical foul it’s because I think the officials missed something and I’m going to defend my kids,” said Giordano.

“(The official) obviously thought I went over the line and he T’d me up. It was only my fourth one in 20 years.”

Thornton scrapped and seemed to win almost every 50-50 ball. Its hustle led to 11 offensive rebounds, including seven in the first and fourth quarters combined.

“We were really aggressive going to the offensive glass. That makes a big difference down the stretch,” said Marston.

The Red Storm were led in scoring by Malone and Sophie Glidden, who had eight points apiece.

Copy the Story Link