Harding starts slowly, then bolts past Mooney

YOUNGSTOWN — The Warren G. Harding High girls basketball team trailed Cardinal Mooney after the first quarter Wednesday night, then took control for a 66-47 victory.

Harding (15-2) was led by Kourtney Williams, who scored 14 points. Jasmine Kirkland contributed 12 points, Aundrea Baldridge added 11 points and Ronisha Howard scored 10 points.

Mooney was lead by Katrina Larson and Kelly Martino, who each scored 13 points.

Larson scored most of her points early, helping Mooney build a first-quarter lead.

Martino connected on three 3-points shots and prompted a fourth-quarter comeback that cut into Mooney’s lead late in the game.

“It’s never easy playing here,” Harding coach P.J. Notar said. “It’s a great rivalry and this was a great game.”

Mooney coach Jack Bermann agreed the Harding girls fought hard.

“They’re a great rebounding team,” Bermann said. “It comes down to second and third shots. They made a living tonight on second and third shots.”

Bermann also pointed to Harding’s depth, adding, “They’re doing a great job of handling the ball.”

Once Harding took the lead in the second quarter, the Raiders’ ball-handling skills became an important factor, he added.

“When you’re running behind them, they’ll take a lot out of you,” Bermann said.

Early in the game, it was Harding running behind Mooney, thanks largely to Larson’s efforts in the lanes. She scored the first points of the game, and nine points in the first quarter as Mooney led 11-8.

But Harding adjusted to Larson’s strong play. She scored only another two points in the first half.

In the second half, she added only a single field goal and added three free throws as Harding’s tough play limited her effectiveness under the basket.

Harding took its first lead in the second quarter when Howard connected on a short jumper to put the Raiders ahead 12-11.

Mooney regained the lead, 17-14, when Christine Pelini connected on a free throw, then stole the ball on the next possession and connected on a layup.

But Williams, Rumple and Baldridge quickly connected on field goals and Harding surged ahead 21-17.

The Raiders took over the game in the third quarter. Howard, Williams and Diamonn Hymes scored to start the game’s third stanza, while Mooney was held scoreless. The blitz gave Harding a 35-23 lead.

Harding outscored Mooney 24-17 in the game’s final stanza.