EBENSBURG —
Richland took a big postseason step on Tuesday night at Central Cambria High School.
The 10th-seeded Rams edged No. 7 Central, 46-38, in a District 6 Class AA girls playoff contest.
Richland had been eliminated in the opening round the past two seasons under coach Ralph McGinnis, and these 17-6 Rams were determined to take that next stride.
“This is the first time in a long time,” McGinnis said. “I’ve been with these girls three years and this is the first time we survived this first game. The seniors, this is their third run at it.”
Richland next will meet No. 2 Bellwood-Antis.
Junior forward Sarah Pfeil had 20 points and seven rebounds to lead the Rams, who outscored Central (15-8) 31-16 in the second half. Junior Katie Gehlmann had 11 points.
The Scarlet Dragons were hurt by the loss of senior playmaker Lindsey Smith, who left the game with an injury with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter. Lindsey had 11 points and the Dragons led 28-25 when she was hurt.
“She’s our leading scorer and we look to get the ball into her. She finishes tough for us,” Central coach Shelley McCune said. “She’s a great defensive rebounder and a great offensive rebounder. She’s a big part of our team.”
Sarabeth Bean had 11 points for Central.
Richland’s defense played with authority in the second half, forcing turnovers and taking the momentum from Central, which had led 22-17 at halftime.
“They did turn their defense up, especially at the end,” McCune said. “They pressure our guards and it was hard to get into an offensive set, especially when she (Smith) went out. We weren’t able to get to run as much as we’d like to or push the ball up the floor. They did a real nice job of controlling the tempo of the game.”
Richland took a 30-28 lead on Maura Koshute’s basket with 1.5 on the third-quarter clock. Then the Rams posted an 18-10 scoring advantage in the final quarter. Four of Central’s fourth-quarter baskets came in the final 1:08 of play.
“I didn’t realize they were that quick and that took us off guard in the first half,” McGinnis said. “We were just standing around. They were driving the gaps and kicking it out. We couldn’t stop the penetration.
“That’s what we discussed at halftime. No more driving down the middle. Stop it early. Secure that low post. Of course when she (Smith) went out with an injury that changed the momentum. That’s a shame that happened. That’s a big-time player that didn’t finish the game.”
Pfeil had five field goals in the first half. She made three more baskets in the second half and was 4 of 8 on the line.
“She’s been consistent all year long and she averages 19 a game,” McGinnis said. “She’s tough to deal with inside. Anything from 4 feet in, she’s tough.”
Gehlmann had nine second-half points, including 4 of 5 on the line.
“We made 12 of 19 free throw attempts there (in the fourth quarter),” McGinnis said. “I wish we made a couple more earlier in the fourth but that paid off.”
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