By JIM RUMBLE

Of the three victories that the Avonworth girls’ basketball team picked up last week, the game of most interest to local fans was this past Tuesday, when the Lady ‘Lopes hosted the Northgate Flames.

Led by Tara Gallupe, who was unstoppable inside, and a transition game that was overpowering at times, the ‘Lopes cruised past the Flames 65-40.

“What really helped us was our fast break tonight,” Avonworth coach Bob Schulz said. “We got the ball off the boards and moved real well.”

Northgate’s only lead came at the opening of the first quarter when a three-pointer by Savannah Paladin had the Flames ahead 3-0.

Avonworth’s Catherine Costa answered with a three-pointer that triggered the offense and a run that included a three-pointer from the top of the circle by Molly Frew. That enabled the ‘Lopes to move in front at 11-3 near the midpoint of the period.

The Lady ‘Lopes then worked the ball inside, where Gallupe and Lauren Mayernik each converted a pair of baskets to offset scores by Northgate’s Erica Benny and Karianne Hoover in a 9-5 run that put Avonworth up 20-8.

Hoover connected on a three-pointer to cut the ‘Lopes lead to 20-11 to end the first quarter.

Avonworth was able to extend their lead in the second quarter, where they converted six Flames’ turnovers into points in transition.

Northgate started the quarter with a three-pointer by Kayla Saylor to cut Avonworth’s lead to seven, but the ‘Lopes followed with a 10-2 run to increase their lead to 30-16 with 4:08 left in the half.

Hoover scored on a put-back as the ‘Lopes countered with a 7-0 run that started with a jumper by Natalie Zivic and ended with a baseline jumper by Laura Presutti. Avonworth led 37-18 with 1:51 left in the half.

Paladin’s three-pointer for the Flames was offset by Costa’s three-pointer and a free throw by Erin Zakor that had the ‘Lopes ahead at the half 41-21.

“We were able to fast-break off of the turnovers and that’s what opened up the lead for us,” Schulz said.

A pair of threes by Northgate’s Chloe Quinn offensively, plus a stimulated defense, permitted Northgate to outscore Avonworth 11-9 in the third quarter.

“The girls worked real hard,” said Northgate coach Bill Quinn. “When we went in at the half I told them we have to cover up, and they did what they were told. Sometimes it’s a hard thing to do, but they did come back and regroup.”

Avonworth slammed the door shut, starting the fourth quarter with a 14-0 run on their way to the 65-40 victory.

After the game, Schulz said of the Flames, “They did a nice job. I give them credit, they hung in there.”

Gallupe led Avonworth scorers with 25 points, followed by Costa with 18, Mayernik with 8 and Frew with 6.

Northgate was led by Quinn’s 12 points, followed by Hoover’s 9, Paladin and Saylor with 6 apiece and Benny with 5.

On Monday, Jan. 19, the ‘Lopes got a balanced effort offensively in a 66-30 section win at Quaker Valley.

Gallupe led with 17 points, followed by Costa and Mayernik with 14 apiece, Frew with 11 and Zivic with 6.

The ‘Lopes (13-0), started the stretch of games with a 63-41 section win at home against Beaver Falls on Thursday, Jan. 14.

Schulz was more satisfied by his team’s play early in that game where the girls led at the half 36-10.

The ‘Lopes again got balanced scoring led by Gallupe with 17, Costa 16, Mayernik 15, Zivic 8 and Frew with 7.