2011 - 2012 Recaps

2/21 - Blair 60 - Hun 23
The girls’ varsity basketball team finished the season in fine form on Tuesday, February 21, prevailing against the Hun School 60-23 and winning the state championship.

In the first quarter, the team secured a 20-9 lead, thanks to Lafayette-bound senior Annette Snow ’12. As has been the case all season, defensive pressure was the catalyst, with senior sensation Femi Hamilton ‘12 and freshman star Bre Cavanaugh ’15 blocking Hun at every turn. Blair controlled the boards was well, with sophomore Batouly Camara ’14 showing that she is one of the most talented young players in America. West Point-bound Bridget Ryan ’12 was her usual outstanding self, scoring 14 first half points and providing critical leadership and toughness. Strong bench contributions came from Torera Fagbenle ’13, Lauren Vostal ’15 and Ana Greik ’13. The team finished with one of the finest seasons in school history, going 21-2 and winning both the state and MAPL titles for the second year in a row.  

2/17 - Blair 58 - Peddie 31
In the state semi-finals, Blair was able to prevail over an improving Peddie team. The theme of the day was balance, with all 11 girls scoring. This was Blair's 10th straight win, and 20th of the season, which matches last years record. The Bucs play against Hun in the state finals on Tuesday night.

2/15 - Blair 62 - ASA 60
It was a daunting task to regain our energy and enthusiasm for another game against college girls, this time against Nationally ranked ASA, a Division 1 junior college. Again, it was the hot shooting of Bridget Ryan who scored 10 points in the first quarter, along with the solid leadership and outstanding play of Femi Hamilton, who had 10 first half points to go with her 6 assists. The momentum seemed to turn against us when Batouly Camara was injured in the 2nd quarter, and the Bucs fell behind by as many as 8 points in the fourth quarter, but we again rallied with Ryan and Annette Snow each scoring 10 points in the final quarter. Annette, in particular, hit two huge three pointers in the final minutes. In the end, it was a key rebound and clutch free throw by freshman Lauren Vostal that sealed the victory.

2/14 - Blair 63 - West Point 59
Two days after the MAPL finals, a tired Bucs team travelled to West Point, NY, to battle the bench players for the USMA. It was a game of runs, with Blair jumping out to a big lead lead in the first 10 minutes behind Bridget Ryan's hot shooting, but soon tiring under the strain of a college-length game on a college-sized court. Blair was trailing by 6 with five minutes to go, when a full court press, spearheaded by the outstanding pressure of Bre Cavanaugh and Femi Hamilton, turned the game back in our favor. It was an exciting day, especially since Bridget got a chance to shine in front of her future coaches and teammates.

2/12 - Blair 52 - Hill 47
The MAPL finals was a physical, hard-fought battle between the league's two top teams. In the end, Blair was able to hold on to a narrow victory, overcoming significant foul trouble early. Fortunately, super-subs Lauren Vostal, Torera Fagbenle and Ana Greik stepped up and played hugely important minutes while the starters were on the bench. Blair was led in scoring by West Point-bound Bridget Ryan, who hit seven 3 pointers en route to 29 points for the game. It was Blair's second straight MAPL title.

2/11 - Blair 64 - Hun 46
Blair's pressure defense and transition offense allowed them to overcome a very good Hun team to reach the MAPL finals. Blair pressured full court for the entire game and the defensive work of Femi Hamilton and Bre Cavanaugh made it difficult for Hun to run its offense. On the offensive end, Blair continued its strong three point shooting with three players scoring in double figures: Bridget Ryan, Bre Cavanaugh and Annette Snow.

2/9 - Blair 66 - Woodbridge54
In a late addition to the schedule, Blair used a balanced attach to defeat 13-6 Woodbridge in a tune-up for the MAPL tournament. Blair was very sharp and moved the ball efficiently on offense.

2/2 - Blair 58 - East Orange 56
In a thrilling game that came down to the last seconds, Blair was able to prevail over New Jersey #11 East Orange Campus. The athleticism and talent of East Orange challenged Blair in the early stages, and they were down 12 after one quarter, 15 at the half, and 11 at the end of the third. However, the girls were able to persevere and ended the game on a 23-10 run, capped by Femi Hamilton's three point play with 12 seconds to go. It wa another great effort all around, with Bridget Ryan, Annette Snow, Lauren Vostal, Bre Cavanaugh, Torera Fagbenle and Batouly Camara all playing an important role in the win. Unofficially, Blair now moves to 8-0 in games that are within 5 pts during the fouth quarter, showing the heart and toughness of this team.

2/1 - Blair 67 - Newark Tech 52
In a late addition to the schedule, Blair prevailed over an athletic and improving Newark Tech in a balanced team effort. Annette Snow and Bridget Ryan led the scoring, but everyone contributed to the team victory. Noteworthy efforts were made by Ana Greik and Rebecca Cooley.

1/28 - Blair 57 - Rutgers Prep 36
In its best game of the season, Blair beat a talented Rutgers Prep team with a solid team effort. After a slow start, Blair turned it on, outscoring Rutgers Prep 44-22 over the final three quarters. Blair has had five different players lead the team in scoring this year, and our unselfish approach to offense makes us a better team.

1/27 - Blair 71 - Mercersberg 32
Blair finished the regular season undefeated with a solid effort at home against Mercersberg. There were contributions from everyone, most noteably Rebecca Cooley who stepped in to run the point and Mal Fahey who showed some of her considerable promise. Torera Fagbenle continues to impress with her great attitude, basketball smarts, and athleticism.

1/20 - Blair 32 - North Hunterdon 45
Playing our fourth road game in seven days, Blair was flat from the beginning against a very talented North Hunterdon team. While North has three seniors committted to Division 1 schools, we didn't put forth the necessary effort or perform to the level to which we are capable, and nobody felt good about how we played. Much of the credit must go to the tough and hard-working opponents, and we will use this game as a motivation to finish the year strong.

1/18 - Blair 61 - Hill 50
In a battle of unbeaten MAPL schools, Blair was able to outlast a tough and talented Hill team, thereby securing the #1 seed in the upcoming MAPL tournament. Blair was once again led by its pressure defense, anchored as usual by Femi Hamilton, Bre Cavanaugh and Torera Fagbenle. This was a game that could have gone either way, and we know that Hill will play better should we meet again in the MAPL tournament.

1/15 - Blair 50 - St. John Vianney 42
Less than 24 hours after the Lawrenceville game, Blair traveled down to the shore to play state power St. John Viannay in front of an energetic and hostile crowd. SJV, ranked #8 in the state, pressed the entire game; however Blair was able to keep their poise and composure and hold on for our most impressive win of the season. While their were many great performances, the game turned on the rebounding of Annette Snow, Bridget Ryan and Batouly Camara, who controlled the boards and gave Blair the chance for victory.

1/14 - Blair 34 - Lawrenceville 32
Down 17-0 after a quarter, Blair was able to re-group and scrap out a tough win over a tough and very talented Lawrenceville team. Keyed by the defensive efforts of Femi Hamilton and Bre Cavanaugh, Blair held Lawrenceville's skilled backcourt in check throughout the final three quarters, something that is not easy to do.

This game proved again that Lawrenceville has turned things around this year and they are a definite threat to win the State and MAPL tournaments. We expect to see them one or two more times this season.

1/11 - Blair 76 - Peddie 26
Blair continued its winning ways with a balanced team effort against Peddie, including notable contributions by many bench players.

Rebecca Cooley stepped into the point guard position and contributed leadership and hot shooting, Rachel Cooley played her usual great defense, Ana Greik was an athletic spark and led the team in number of times on the floor, Mal Fahey showed why she has such promise for the future, and Maria Cano contributed her usual poise, leadership, and sharp shooting.

1/9 - Blair 39 - Whippany Park 36
In a battle between two of the top teams in Northern New Jersey, Blair was able to prevail in a tough, hard-fought game, handing Whippany Park their first loss of the season. Missing Bridget Ryan, Blair got a strong contribution from Rachel Cooley who battled impressively in the post. While neither team played it's best, the game was competitive and close throughout, and a good win for the Bucs.

1/7 - Blair 54 - Hun 42
In our official MAPL contest of the year, Blair was able to squeak out a tough victory over a strong Hun team. Blair jumped to an early 10-point lead in the first quarter, but Hun battled back to take the lead in the 4th quarter. After a series of exciting, back-and-forth plays by both teams, Blair was finally able to prevail in a hard-fought victory that was closer than the final score would indicate. The game was a good preparation for the MAPL tournament which will take place at Hun's gym this February.

12/18 - Blair 58 - Princeton Day Academy 53
Following less than 24 hours after the St. Rose game, Blair rebounded with a tough win over a very athletic and talented Princeton Day Academy. For three and a half quarters, the game was back-and-forth with many lead changes and great play on both sides, until Blair was finally to take over late in the fourth quarter. Batouly Camara was voted as Blair's Player of the Game.

12/17 - Blair 34 - St. Rose 49
Blair suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of state power St. Rose. While Blair battled throughout, they ultimately were not able to match the efficiency and skill of a very talented and disciplined St. Rose team. The Bucs were within single-digits until the fourth quarter, but were not able to hit the key shots when they needed them, largely because of the outstanding St. Rose defense.

While a frustrating loss, this game should serve to toughen the team up for the important MAPL competition in the new year. Femi Hamilton was voted as Blair's Player of the Game.

12/12 - Blair 53 - Princeton Day 25
Blair defeated a short-handed Princeton Day school team with a balanced effort from 11 girls. Particular contributions were made by Rebecca Cooley (two 3 pointers and 8 points), Rachel Cooley (great defense and rebounding, 6 points), Ana Greik (her usual strong defense and consistent diving on the floor), Torera Fagbenle (inspired defense and hustle), Mal Fahey (great rebounding and effort), and our Spanish sensation Maria Cano.

12/10 - Blair 50 - Lawrenceville 45
Blair squeaked out a victory over MAPL rival Lawrenceville in another well-played game. Lawrenceville added two outstanding new players to complement a strong nucleus, and will be a threat for the MAPL title.

Fortunately for the Bucs, Femi Hamilton and Bridget Ryan were up to the defensive challenge and played their usual inspired inspired game.

Freshman Lauren Vostal covered again for Batouly Camara in outstanding fashion, and gathered in 6 rebounds.

12/8 - Blair 44 - Life Center 43
Blair opened its season with a thrilling victory over powerhouse Life Center Academy in a tough, hard-fought game. Center Batouly Camara sprained her ankle in the first quarter, but Annette Snow and Bridget Ryan stepped in admirable against Life Center's two big and talented posts. Femi Hamilton and Bre Cavanaugh played their usual great defense and made big plays late in the game. However, the biggest play came with less than a minute remaining when, trailing by one, Torera Fagbenle rebounded an errant shot and passed to Lauren Vostal, who then drilled the game winning shot.

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