The Seton Keough (Baltimore) girls’ basketball team got very acquainted with ACC prospect Megan Buckland. The Bishop McGuiness (NC) junior, along with her 40 points, showed the numerous college coaches just what she was capable of in her team’s 56-49 win over Seton Keough.

“I just wanted to get my team the victory to go to the finals,” Buckland said. “Our team really wanted to win this game, and we want to win the tournament.”

McGuiness took a 7-2 lead five minutes into the game. Buckland then spun through the lane, dishing it off to teammate Sara Coon for the easy lay up. Not satisfied with the lead, Buckland went on 7-0 run by herself, which included two long three-pointers. Sammi Goldsmith hit another three, and suddenly Seton Keough found themselves down 17-4. After a couple spread out buckets they were down 17-8 with 10:43 remaining in the first half. McGuiness was able to push the lead thanks to going 10 for 11 from the charity line.

However, as was the theme of the game, Seton Keough was able to make a run to get back in the game. Shabria Paige took the pass from teammate Brianna Harrison and hit a nice jumper from the free throw line, followed by Achiri Ade’s jumper from the right block. Harrison and Paige teamed up again on a give and go and Paige knocked down one free throw to make it 18-13 with 8:03 left in the half.

Seton was able to play some hard-nosed defense led by Ade and her two late blocks. After a long three by Amber Singletary, Seton Keough was only 26-22 at half time. Coach Tierra Ellis said, “I liked the fight our team showed at the end of the half. We were able to capitalize on our tough defense and cut away at the lead.”

The second half opened up with Paige finding the basket on consecutive possessions and drained two free throws while shutting down the McGuiness attack. They used their up tempo style and pace to gain the lead and push it to eight. After a McGuiness timeout, it then became the Megan Buckland show. The junior guard scored 15 consecutive points and battled the entire Seton Keough team to take the lead by two at 35-33.

“We were able to mount a comeback, but it just wasn’t enough. (Buckland) was just too strong for us,” Coach Ellis said.

Buckland scored another six points to push the lead to 41-35. The game then became one of lead changes. A three ball and a free throw from Seton put them back in the game with just over five minutes remaining. However, that is as close as they would get, thanks to Buckland and her 29 second half points.

“I just wanted the ball in my hands to show what I can do, and to help assure my team’s victory. We are just glad to move on to the finals,” Buckland said of her performance.

Scoring Summary

Bishop McGuiness
Buckland- 40 points; Goldsmith- 9 points; Knight- 3 points; Coon- 2 points; Cushing- 2 points

Seton Keough
Paige- 20 points; Harrison- 9 points; Brown- 7 points; Ade-7 points; Dulces- 4 points; Frazer- 2 points