Area’s top team wears down Cardinal girls

Cece Leone (31) had a season-high 11 points and 12 rebounds against top-ranked PVI Friday.

Paul VI came into Godley Gym the preseason favorite to win the WCAC title and did little to suggest they aren’t ready to do just that in a convincing 69-34 win Friday night.

Bishop Ireton came right after the favored Panthers, grabbing a 4-0 lead and the ballgame seesawed back and forth early, with point guard Paige Russell’s early 6 points keeping Ireton within 18-13 after one period of play.

Paul VI unloaded in the 19-5 second quarter however. With a smothering full court defense, the visiting Panthers began to collect turnovers. They quickly transitioned those miscues into odd man rushes and easy layups as the home team scrambled to get back to defend. Intermission saw the Fairfax squad sitting on a comfortable 37-18 advantage.

The Panthers’ skipper, Scott Allen, substituted liberally but played the same pressure defense and transition offense that built the lead and, in the third quarter, continued to expand the margin. The lead ballooned to 56-27 after three periods, the Cardinals never able to score in double digits in the game’s final three quarters after scoring 13 to open the contest.

Senior CeCe Leone had a team-high 11 points to lead Ireton along with 12 rebounds. Juniors Paige Russell had seven, Michelle Montgomery 6 for the Cardinals (6-4, 1-3). Paul VI was led by Jasmine Whitney with a game-high 24 and Kate Klimkiewicz added 11.

The team returns to action on Tuesday, December 23rd when they travel to Bladensburg to challenge Elizabeth Seton at 7pm. Following Christmas, the redbirds will play in the Title IX tourney at the DC Armory beginning December 27th.