Mike Vukovcan Considering the obstacles they’ve faced this season, if you were a betting person, very few people would’ve given the Hopewell HS Girls Basketball team a chance of qualifying for the WPIAL Playoffs.
While this Hopewell team might be short in numbers, one thing they certainly aren’t short on or lacking is heart and that’s been evident the last week.
After losing  tough game last week against Beaver, the Lady Vikings realized they had no margin of error. If they wanted to qualify for the playoffs, they would have to win their remaining 3 section games: Lincoln Park, Central Valley and Ambridge.
Step one against Lincoln Park was tonight as it was Senior Night at Hopewell High School. The Hopewell program recognized the Vikings two seniors- Caylee Sundy and Allison Ramaley.
Following those festivities, Coach Homziak’s team came out strong and built an early lead against Lincoln Park. However the key to tonight’s win was the Vikings defensive effort.
After taking a 11-9 lead after the first quarter, Hopewell increased that lead to 37-18 at halftime.  Lincoln Park made a big 3rd quarter run as Hopewell’s lead was cut to just 42-36.
However, Hopewell regrouped in the final quarter as sophomore Addison Blosnick scored 6 of her 11 points in the final frame.
When the scoreboard reached 0:00, final score was Hopewell 53 Lincoln Park 48.
Taking a look at the Hopewell boxscore, Avery Boyd continued her strong play as she scored 19 points.
In her final home game, Sundy scored 14 points, all of which came in the 2nd quarter. Sundy just returned last week from a knee injury that’s sidelined her all season and was expected to keep her out all season.
Because of the seriousness of the injury, Sundy’s on a minutes limit per game but despite that, she’s talented enough to have an impact. Caylee is Hopewell’s best player and to get her back on the court has been a huge lift for her teammates and gives them a chance to compete.
Blosnick also reached double-digits with 11 points, while Ramaley scored 5 points and freshman Ava Ray chipped in with 4 points.
Hopewell will enjoy this win but will need to forget about it tomorrow as they’ll have their most important game of the season as they travel to Central Valley.
Hopewell defeated CV earlier this season but this game is on the road and defeating a Hall of Fame coach like Chris Raso will not be easy.
However, this is fitting since nothing has been easy for Hopewell this season.
