Alemany Remains Cool Until Rigley Is Right in Victory

Even undefeated teams have nights when nothing seems to go right.

But the key to Alemany High’s unbeaten record, said Coach Melissa Hearlihy, has been resiliency.

Case in point: The Indians’ 52-45 Mission League victory Tuesday night over rival St. Bernard.

To begin with, Alemany’s “home” game was played at Bell-Jeff High because the Indians’ gym has been unusable since the earthquake.

And their best player, junior forward Samantha Rigley, picked up her third foul in the first quarter. That gave Rigley three more fouls than points scored.

Then things got worse. St. Bernard (18-5, 5-3) embarked on a 9-1 run and took an eight-point lead after the first quarter.

“I think we got a little rattled,” Hearlihy said.

Fortunately for the Indians (19-0, 7-0 in league play), they had the real McKay--guard Kelly McKay. The 5-foot-7 senior scored 14 of her 16 points in the first three quarters to keep Alemany within striking distance.

“Kelly had the game of her life,” Hearlihy said. “I think that’s what is special about this team. If some people are having a bad night, another one steps up.”

McKay’s smooth jump shot and calming influence steadied Alemany until the second half, when Rigley got into the flow. The 5-9 junior forward, who directs the attack and plays like a point guard on offense, scored 13 of her 16 points after halftime.

“I had a lack of confidence in myself at first,” Rigley said. “Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself, and say, ‘If I don’t do well, then it will be a close game,’ and tonight was an example.”

Alemany opened the third quarter with an 11-4 run to take a 30-29 lead. The lead then changed hands five times before Rigley took over with the score tied, 41-41, with three minutes left to play.

On three consecutive Viking possessions, she rebounded a missed shot and was fouled. Each time it was the opposing player’s fifth foul. And each time Rigley made both free throws. When the stretch was over, Alemany had a 47-41 lead with under two minutes to play. Rigley made 11 of 13 free throws.