Mount Mercy gets big win over St. Mary’s High School

SOUTH BUFFALO - Mount Mercy Academy started off its busy week in fine fashion as they led from start to finish in a 46-36 win over St. Mary’s High School in front of packed house at Mount Mercy Academy.

The Magic (11-9, 4-7) started off quick and jumped out to an 11-3 first quarter lead. The Lancers, fighting for their playoff lives, wouldn’t go away as they started the second quarter on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 11-9.

The Magic, however, closed the half on a 13-0 run to take a commanding 24-9 lead.

“The girls are really playing well,” stated Mount Mercy Academy coach John Glose. “The continuity on offense is better. I thought they all did a really great job.”

Mount Mercy would take a 16-point lead into the final quarter when the Lancers made a big run to make the game close. The Lancers would hit everything in the quarter as they scored 19 points, but it was too little too late.

Clutch foul shooting and some stellar defense by Kerry McGough and Alison Balys helped seal the victory.

“We relied on our experience girls down the stretch,” said Glose. “And they were able to take it home for us.”

Maddie Parisi had her second-straight big game. The junior led the team with 14 points and made smart decisions at the point, getting her team in the right offensive sets. Her hustle on defense frustrated St. Mary’s all the nightlong.

It has been a nice turnaround for Parisi, who earlier in the season was moved to the two-guard.

“Maddie looks real comfortable out there,” said Glose. “She is playing with a lot of confidence. She is leading us like she should. She had three years of varsity experience. And is it really starting to show, especially in these tight games.

Glose says the move helped Parisi see the game better.

“I think sometimes when you are stuck on the point, it wears on you,” said Glose. “We are lucky enough where we have a couple of girls that can handle the ball. I think that has been a good thing for her. And she has been able to learn another position.”

Next up for the Magic is at 6 p.m. Wednesday when they host Nichols. Nichols escaped with a three-point win just two weeks ago, and the Magic are looking for a little revenge.

“Nichols sneak one out on us last time,” said Glose. “We are going to be ready to play. The girls are really fired up. So, we will be ready to go for them.”