Tottenville High School secured a significant victory against Murry Bergtraum in a thrilling PSAL 4A Conference matchup on January 20, 2024. The Pirates triumphed with a final score of 63-49 at their home court in Staten Island, improving their league record to 8-0 and overall record to 11-2. Key players Brianna Ardolic and Gabriella Ortiz led the charge, contributing 18 points and 16 points, respectively, to the team’s success.
Strong Performances Drive Victory
Head coach Jessica Althoff praised her team’s performance, particularly highlighting the resilience and teamwork displayed throughout the match. “Murry Bergtraum is a tough team,” she stated. “Like us, they press the entire game, are physical in the paint, and rebound the ball well.” Following this defeat, Bergtraum falls to a league record of 8-2 and has previously lost to the unbeaten Thurgood Marshall.
In a game marked by intense defensive strategies, Tottenville’s players, including Grace Anderson and Araya Lichtman, effectively countered Bergtraum’s pressing style. Anderson showcased her versatility with a well-rounded performance, notching 10 points, 6 steals, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Lichtman also contributed significantly with 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Althoff noted, “(Anderson) was all over the court today doing the other stuff we needed her to do.”
Defensive Adjustments Lead to Success
The Pirates’ defensive strategy proved effective against a high-scoring Bergtraum offense. Althoff emphasized the importance of making necessary adjustments on the court, stating, “Murry Bergtraum pushed the ball; we needed to make adjustments, and other girls stepped up well when we needed them to.” Her pride in the team was evident as she remarked, “I’m proud of the girls — how they came out strong and played awesome well as a team. They moved the ball and waited for the right shots; they didn’t force shots we didn’t need.”
Looking ahead, Tottenville faces a packed schedule this week, starting with a home game against New Dorp on January 23, 2024. The team aims to maintain its unbeaten streak in the conference and build on the momentum from this significant victory.