GIRLS BASKETBALL Howland wins title by beating Sharon

In the consolation game, Brookfield beat Farrell, 51-44.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BROOKFIELD -- Using five three-point plays from four different players, Howland jumped out to a 20-9 first-quarter lead over Sharon Saturday night en route to winning the Brookfield Lady Warriors Memorial Christmas Basketball Tournament, 65-43.
Marianne Krezeczowski led the uprising with two three-point plays, one the old-fashioned variety, as Howland went on an 8-0 run late in the period.
A 3-point goal by Emily Andrews with 17 seconds remaining in the first quarter gave the Tigers a 20-7 edge -- their largest of the stanza.
Sharon, which shot 3-for-13 in the first period, cut the gap to eight when Erin Leyde cashed in to cut the deficit to 23-15 in the second quarter.
Sharon didn't make another fielder until the waning seconds of the first half which gave Howland time to regroup to grab a 32-18 lead at the break.
With its shooting from the field starting to improve, Sharon found itself down 41-32 late in the third period.
Sharon had an easy chance for a lay-up to come even closer but it couldn't convert.
Darcy Quinlan perhaps ended any chance for Sharon when her short jump shot at the buzzer made the count 45-32.
The game was basically sealed in the final session when Krezeczowski scored off a fast-break turnover and her sister, Kristy Krezeczowski, came through as well.
Howland was in command 49-32 at 6:54 remaining and Sharon never seriously challenged.
"I think we dug ourselves too big of a hole early and then we were missing a lot of shots inside that would have really helped," Sharon coach Mary Jo Staunch said.
"Our kids didn't quit, however, but you have to give credit to Howland because they are a nice team with a solid front six or seven."
Howland coach John Diehl said, "We shot the ball well early and our speed kind of surprised them. That's been our strength.
"I think this win is going to give us some confidence as we get back into our regular league schedule."
Brookfield 51, Farrell 44: Holly DeMay scored 18 points and made four 3-point goals along the way to lead Brookfield.
Racquel Brenner also fired in 11 points while Ashley Gramsky was in with 10 more for the Warriors (4-4).
Farrell (1-11), which was out-scored 22-9 over the final eight minutes after leading 35-29 after three quarters, got 25 points from Gina Elerby.