Success in basketball can often be attributed to a team's success in creating momentum-filled runs. Whether it is throughout a season or a game; a good team generally goes through extended periods of winning or scoring.
The Chatham varsity girls' basketball team proved that Tuesday night. It won its 18th straight game and went on three big runs against Governor Livingston during its 50-31 victory at Chatham High School. It was the team's 21st win on the season.
"I think the whole team played really good defense and I think that was key," said junior Kelsey Hart. "We started to move the ball well on offense as well."
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Sophomore Amanda Berntsen started the game off with a steal and a basket, which sparked a 7-0 run for the Cougars. Hart and senior captain Caroline Murphy contributed to that run, and the three players combined for the team's 13 first quarter points.
"They were outstanding," said Governor Livingston Head Coach Dave Boff. "They are big, athletic, smart, and we wish them all the luck in the county finals."
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With less than two minutes left in the second quarter, Berntsen hit a three-pointer to start a 10-0 run that would carry over into the third. The Cougars established a 24-11 lead by halftime due largely to solid defense and a relentless scoring effort.
"I think it was our full-court man defense that kind of turned them over and changed the pace of the game," said Head Coach Joe Gaba. "I thought we were very good in transition and very good in our halfcourt and full-court man defense."
In the fourth quarter, Hart kicked off a 12-0 run with a steal and a fast break layup. Junior Kelsey Davies finished the drive with back-to-back field goals. The Highlanders then went on 13-0 run of their own to close out the game.
"Our point guard went down a minute in, so I thought our kids did a great job stepping up for her," said Boff, referring to an early injury for his team. "They kept playing hard. We went through some lulls where we couldn't score, but they are a good team and we'll learn from this."
Berntsen led the Cougars in scoring with 16 points, five assists, and six steals, while Hart contributed 13 points and five steals. On the other end, Sam Bowling scored a team high 12 points.
"I feel confident," said Gaba. "This group doesn't feel like it can lose. It feels like it can compete in every game. Any coach who has a team as confident as they are has to feel very good about that."
The Cougars will take on top-seeded West Morris in the Morris County Tournament Championship at 7 p.m. Friday at FDU Florham Park.
"We are excited and ready," said Berntsen. "We want a county title. We want our name up on the banner."
