NATICK - Containing Franklin’s 6-foot-3 sophomore forward Ali Brigham presented a stiff challenge for Natick.
It was a tall order, but the Redhawks’ defense turned in a performance of similar size.
No. 4 Natick’s defense made everything difficult for Brigham and the rest of the fifth-seeded Panthers to help the Redhawks prevail, 53-39, last night in the Division 1 Central quarterfinals.
“Our defense was pretty solid across the board,” said Natick coach Dan Hinnenkamp, as the Redhawks advance to Sunday’s semifinal against Wachusett. “We know they have a stud player in Ali. ... We practice a little bit doubling. But Brenna McDonald, who’s usually in the paper for points and rebounds, really played good defense (on Brigham).”
After trailing early, Claire Gaziano (12 points) sparked a 15-4 Natick run bridging the first and second quarters to put the Redhawks in front for good.
Natick (17-4) held Brigham to just one point in the first quarter by consistently double-teaming her, which threw Franklin’s offense out of rhythm.
But Brigham (21 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks) got Franklin (15-6) going in the fourth quarter, scoring six straight points to chop the deficit in half, 38-32, with 4:42 left.
This time Natick had the answer offensively. Makenna Range (11 points) hit a timely jumper and a 3-pointer while Laney Ross (13 points) went 8-for-9 from the free-throw line down the stretch to close it out.
“Our defense fuels our offense in every game we play, especially this game,” Gaziano said.
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