CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders girls varsity basketball team hit the floor in their home opener against the Cranford High School Cougars, looking to build off their first win of the season on Friday. The Crusaders struggled, trailing the Cougars by as much as 16 points in the second half.
A late push in the fourth quarter that featured Johnson trimming Cranford’s lead from 16 points to two would not complete the full rally, as the Crusaders lost to the Cougars 53-43 Tuesday night in Clark.
Earlier on, it seemed like Cranford was in full control, hitting most of their shots, including six three-point baskets in the first half, as well as taking a 42-27 through three quarters. As the fourth quarter went along, Johnson would make the contest interesting to come back.
Johnson embarked on a 12-0 run near the end of the third quarter and a little over the first two minutes of the fourth quarter that trimmed the lead to 42-39 with 5:42 left in the fourth quarter.
This run started with a shot from junior Ally Bowen, a basket from senior Bailey Rosenmeier and two free throws from senior Cecilia Puentes, making it 42-33 Cranford with 6:42 left in the fourth quarter.
“We’ve been working hard all season and we had to start playing the game at our tempo, speed the game up a little bit,” Rosenmeier said. “We finally decided to put in our speed and come together as a team.”
Cranford, who appeared to be off and flying in the first 16 minutes of the game, was now playing on their heels, which led to turnovers that led to fast paces up the court and multiple scoring chances.
Puentes, Rosenmeier and junior Lily Gull fueled the second portion of that run with a basket each, suddenly turning it into a 42-39 Cranford lead with 5:42 left in the fourth quarter.
Cranford called a timeout to slow things down, but Johnson kept coming fast and quick. Following a three-pointer from Olivia Speer to make it 45-39 with 5:16 left in the fourth quarter, freshman Domenika Kosiek cashed in on a shot and Bowen drained two free throws, as Johnson closed to within 45-43 with Cranford in front with 2:51 left in the fourth quarter.
However, the comeback would not be completed, as Cranford closed the game on an 8-0 run, holding on to secure the road win. Despite the loss, the efforts did not go unnoticed by the Johnson coaches and players.
“The energy level and the fact the girls never quit [was amazing]. They just kept playing hard,” Johnson head coach Joe Marino said. “We got some turnovers and we turned them into points. They stayed together and fought until the end.”
Full Coverage of Johnson Girls Varsity Basketball Home Opener Vs. Cranford HS Here
