The St. Kilian Stars finished their eighth grade girls basketball season with a convincing 32-21 victory over St. William of Seaford at home last Tuesday evening. The St. Kilian girls earned a second place tie in their conference with the victory that ran their regular season record to nine wins and three losses. The team will make their second straight playoff appearance in just their third season.

The Stars were led by co-captain Christina Tinney, who not only led her team in scoring with 10 points, but totally outrebounded her taller opponents at the center position. Lauren Cohen had another strong offensive game, scoring eight points on four for seven shooting from the field. Kate Hogan had six points, shooting three for seven from the field despite not feeling well. Co-captain Krista Daniello had five points and also did an outstanding job on the defensive boards. Guard Lisa Buono scored three points on 1 for 3 shooting from the field and played her usual strong defensive game. Forward Jessica Patane also did a great job on the defensive boards, pulling down numerous rebounds. Guard/small forward Meg Fanning did an outstanding job defensively, helping shut down a couple of the big St. William shooters and making a number of nice assists. Jessica Cohen, as always, contributed a number of important steals and defensive stops that resulted in St. Kilian points with her aggressive hustle.

The game was tightly played in the first half. St. William took a 10-7 lead into the second quarter, but a strong St. Kilian second quarter helped the Stars take a 17-15 half-time lead. They never relinquished this lead and easily pulled away in the second half, outscoring St. William 15-6.

This was the second meeting of the two teams. In their earlier game, St. Kilian had pulled out an exciting one-point victory. St. William came into the second game not only wanting to avenge the earlier loss, but also to earn the fourth and last playoff spot. A St. William victory would have also forced a third place tie with the Stars. To their credit, the St. Kilian girls did not fold under the pressure, and as they showed in the second half, they actually flourished in it, earning their outstanding victory and second place tie finish.