The Verona High School girls basketball team played Bernards High School in the opening round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 playoffs on Wednesday, February 21. The first quarter ended 4-4 but that was hardly indicative of what was to come. With great offense, No. 7 seed Verona was able to step ahead of No. 10 Bernards and ended the first half at 16-14. Verona pushed its lead in the third quarter, widening the gap to 29-17. The game ended 42-34 Verona with a great offense and defense all around.
Verona’s newest varsity players brought everything they could to their home court. Freshman Ellie Marateo led her team in scoring with 14 points and snagged 7 rebounds. Right behind her was fellow freshman Leah Haggerty with 8 points and 5 steals. Sophomore Jada Bednar put up 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Upperclassmen Cali Giacomazza and Julia Loudon had 4 points apiece, with sophomore Giada Contorno and freshman Morgan Rossi delivering another 3.
The N2G2 quarterfinals will be Monday, February 26, when Verona faces No. 2 seed Rutherford at Rutherford. The Bulldogs demolished No. 15 seed Arts High School 48-13 in its opener. Game time is 6 p.m.
