HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Four Huntington St. Joseph’s players scored in double figures as the Irish held off a stern test from North Allegheny, Pa., 65-59.
The Irish improved to 13-0 and the defending Class A state champions have won 22 consecutive games.
Trailing 12-11 after the first quarter, St. Joe’s used a 14-2 run before halftime to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Tigers crept within four points at 38-34 late in the third quarter before Hannah Roberts connected on back-to-back triples in the final minute of the frame. The Irish led 44-34 going to the fourth.
“You would think that is a great coaching move because I just stuck (Hannah) in but it was to give Grace (Hutson) a rest and it was the right time,” said Huntington St. Joseph’s head coach Shannon Lewis. “She just stepped up and made some big shots. She has shot it well from three all year. She has the green light.”
Grace Hutson led the Irish with 16 points. Dayton signee Bailee Adkins added 15. Roberts and Dionna Gray each chipped in with ten points.
“We have depth,” Lewis said. “We just utilized it. Our top seven, we’re not going to change anything we do.”
The Irish utilized their traditional pressure defense to force numerous transition opportunities. “It is the way I like to play,” Lewis said. “Pressing and getting up and down and it is a fun bunch. Bailee really pushes the ball downhill for us coming back on offense.”
Paige Morningstar led the Tigers (8-2) with a game-high 18 points. Lizzy Groetsch chipped in with a dozen and Taylor Rawls added 11.
This was just the third home game of the year for the Irish and they will return to the road Saturday at Mercy County, Ky.