(4) Hanover Park 44 - (5) Morristown 34 (1-10-07)

CT Quarterfinals @ Morris Knolls (1-10-07)

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Momentum is a fickle thing in most high school basketball games. In a County Tournament Quarterfinal match up on a neutral court, momentum shifts can be the life blood of the game. Hanover Park used a 19 point fourth quarter to erase a one point third quarter deficit into a ten-point victory. The Hornets sank 10 of 12 free throws in the final frame to edge away from the Colonials. Lindsey Cassinis lead all scorers and tallied 14 points in the fourth quarter. The senior guard may have played the best game of her high school career leading advancing the Hornets to the final four.

Hanover jumped out to a 6-0 and 7-2 lead early in the first quarter. Cassinis tallied 4 of those 6, with Ashley Addison scored the other two. The Colonials were able to cut the lead to 7-5. With just about two minutes left to play in the opening quarter Alycia Ryan's three pointer put the Colonials within two. Cassinis closed the first quarter scoring with a layoff off a well executed inbound play to give Hanover a 9-5 lead.

The second quarter went well for the Hornets. Cassinis and Jenna Wormann answered Ryan's opening basket and the Hornets lead 13-7 with just under six minutes left in the first half. The Hornets jumped out to a 21-10 lead with just under a minute left in the half. Hanover was in control and looking to enjoy a double digit lad at the half. Three sport standout Alycia Ryan dropped a two and picked off a Hanover pass for a uncontested lay up as time ran out in the half. The four point run was just a taste of the what Morristown had in store for the third quarter.

Trailing 21-14 to start the third, Morristown continued their momentous run, knocking in 9 more unanswered points. Imani Ladsen hit for two. Ryan added four and a three by Caitlyn McGuire gave the Colonials their first lead of the game. Cassinis answered with a lay up a few seconds later to tie it at 23 with just about 3 minutes to play.

The Colonials took a 26-25 lead into the fourth. Ryan, who finished with 19 points added a two free throws near the six minute mark giving Morristown a three point lead at 28-25. Cassinis answered with a lay up and the game was tied at 28. Hanover took the momentum and never looked back. The Hornets outscored the Colonials 16-6 to close the game, most on free throws.

Hanover advance to FDU for the second year in row. The Hornets hung tough threw a Morristown charge early in the third maintained composure late from the line, when games of this importance are won.