Cornwall has done well in West Point’s Christi Arena. The Dragons have won all three doubleheaders they’ve played there.
The girls and boys varsities kept their streaks alive on Sunday afternoon as they swept a pair of games from O’Neill.
The girls played first, and looked at home as they warmed up for the second half. Their practice shots kept swishing through the net. But when play started, the rims became unfriendly.
Olivia Davet’s shot swirled around the hoop and popped out as the Dragon fans’ groaned. A minute later Maddie Vinett had the same experience. She let the ball go near the arc, and then chased after it, and grabbed her own rebound. Given a second chance, she added to the Dragons’ point total.
Maddie’s hustle was typical of the girls’ effort in nailing down their fourth straight win. Feeling at home in the college arena, the girls outscored O’Neill 51-37. Maddie Vinett and Maggie Malone led the way with 16 points each.
Sam Incognoli had several steals, and converted all six of her free throws — something that would please Coach Miller, a former free throw champion, himself.
The win followed victories over a pair of league rivals. The girls played a strong first half in Goshen on Jan. 19 on their way to a 48-34 triumph. Two days later, they hosted Monticello and finished on top 62-33.
The girls have a perfect 3-0 mark in league play to go with a 9-5 record overall. They have defeated eight of their last nine opponents.
The West Point doubleheaders have been a treat for Cornwall basketball fans. Last year the boys and girls both beat O’Neill. And in 2004, when West Point hosted the section championships, the Dragons claimed a pair of titles by sweeping Wallkill.
In the last week before exams, ten girls contributed to the team’s scoring. And since none of those girls are seniors, they’ll be eligible to play again next year.
3 GAMES — Points: Malone 42. Vinett 41, Incognoli 30, Moreau 18, Davet 9, Barbier 7, Brusseler 6, Hurley 3, Morasse 3, Harding 2. Threes: Incognoli 3, Moreau 2, Barbier 1, Vinett. 1. Free throws: Incognoli 11-14, Vinett 10-18, Barbier 2-2.
