Girls basketball: Ketcham's supporting cast now center stage as team remains undefeated
Facing a considerable deficit against a rival while struggling to get on track on either end of the court, it seemed like a situation for the Roy C. Ketcham girls basketball team that called for Cali Chiocchi.
In such instances, the group could use that quiet confidence and the unwavering calm that offered assurance. And, of course, the skill and combustive style to take over a game in a blink.
Chiocchi is no longer there for them to lean on, though, the standout now is playing college basketball after leading a young squad to its first section championship last winter.
But in a Spartacus-like rally Wednesday, the returning players essentially shouted, “I am Cali.” In a figurative sense, of course. Because Ketcham demonstrated that familiar poise and showed its talent in erasing a 14-point deficit and surging late for a 66-60 win over John Jay-East Fishkill.
“We’re still a work in progress,” coach Pat Mealy said, “but because they’re so resilient, I always expect them to respond well.”
Super 7: Ketcham's Nia Rencher among the Journal's top returning players this season
Adams' family: Tyler Adams' World Cup run, growing stardom and family Christmas traditions
Despite graduating their longtime leader, and the girl voted Section 1’s Player of the Year last season, Ketcham has won its first eight games, including some signature victories already. They’ve accomplished that with a great collective effort, often with a different leading scorer, showing balance and the ability of several players to star in their roles.
Caitlin Robertson scored 15 of her game-high 26 points in the second half to lead the comeback. Nia Rencher had 15 points and 15 rebounds and, Mealy said, the center establishing her offensive presence in the post, helped create openings for Robertson, a versatile 5-foot-10 wing.
Jenny Nardelli and Jaylyn Chorba each added 10 points. Nardelli’s floater off a drive gave Ketcham a 59-56 lead with 2:09 remaining, and she followed that with a late 3-pointer.
The supporting cast last season, a group of scrappy sophomores who contributed to a breakthrough run, now are the central figures, shining in the spotlight for a team that no longer has the benefit of being underestimated.
“What’s great is they understand they have to do this together,” Mealy said. “Everything went through Cali last year, and now it’s different. We have a lot of options, and everyone has a bigger hand in it.”
Ketcham began its charge in the second quarter, pulling to within 35-32 at halftime, and eventually took a 52-51 lead on Robertson’s free throws with six minutes left.
Grace Kennedy had 18 points and Hope Angioletti added 14 for John Jay, which shot well early and scored 35 first-half points, the most Ketcham has surrendered in a half this season. Defensive adjustments and better execution on that end slowed the Patriots enough for Ketcham to catch up in the second quarter.
“We went on a historic run last year and these guys were a major part of it,” Mealy said of the current roster, which features a strong core of juniors. “They’ve played in big games and dealt with the pressure, so I don’t think there’s any moment that’s too big for them.”
It wasn’t when they surged in the second half and beat powerhouse Ursuline, 61-57, last week. That victory issued a statement to observers — and the team itself — that Ketcham was again a legitimate contender. It was a “confidence boost,” Mealy said, and evidence that this group still can compete with the best teams.
“I knew we had some tough kids with talent and we’d battle every game,” Mealy said of the 8-0 start exceeding his expectations. “But for them to start off this well, they’re doing everything we’d hoped for. What they’ve done so far is nothing short of remarkable.“
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Girls basketball: Robertson, Rencher lead Ketcham rally over John Jay
