By Keith Harrington
Hartford celebrated Senior Night by racing to a big first-quarter lead and cruising over Salem 61-37 in an Adirondack League contest at the Ella Colvin Gym.
Seniors Cailin Severance and Ava Nadeau were honored with their families before the game and celebrated in impression fashion.
“We’ve been together ever since the beginning.” Severance said of her and Nadeau. “Even though Kenzie (Johnson) is a junior she’s also been all the way through with us as well as Brynn (Tyler).
Hartford led 27-8 after the opening stanza and the Generals never challenged them.
“We came out pretty hot in the first half, our press defense was very successful, and then in the second half some of the younger girls got to come in and have some fun with it,” Severance said.
Salem settled down a bit after the first quarter. Hartford only outscored them 9-8 in the second quarter and took a 36-16 lead to the halftime break.
The Generals tried to mount a comeback in the third, outscoring Hartford 10-8, but it wasn’t enough.
The Tanagers put the game out of reach with a 17-11 fourth quarter to provide the final margin of victory.
“We moved the ball around pretty well with each other as we have a great team chemistry and bond with one another. Overall it was a pretty solid game,” Severance added.
McKenzie Johnson poured in 23 points to lead Hartford.
Audrey Fiske added 10 points. Cailin Severance netted nine points. Brynn Tyler and Silver Stewart had eight points each.
Sophia Keays led Salem with 11 points.
After a slow start to the season, Severance feels the young Tanagers are putting things together, just in time for the stretch run heading into sectional play where Hartford is always a contender. A spot in the Adirondack League Tournament is still in play.
“We are totally coming together. We all get along very well, and the younger ones are learning so well,” Severance said. “Especially freshman Silver Stewart, she has an excellent mindset for anything and is picking up anything thrown at her. As well as sophomore Audrey Fiske who is putting up good numbers for us down low.”
Cameron Gilles also finished with 10 points and McKenzie McKernon six for the Generals.
Hartford raised their mark to 3-2, 5-4.
Photo Credit-Lori Severance