St. Bernard Beats Alemany Girls in Battle of Boards

Alemany High got a first-hand lesson on the importance of rebounding Saturday night.

St. Bernard’s rebounding dominance carried it to a 62-52 victory over the Indians in a nonleague girls’ basketball game at St. Bernard.

“We talk all year long about getting on the boards,” Alemany Coach Melissa Hearlihy said. “That was my biggest concern coming into the game and it was absolutely the difference in the game.”

The Vikings (17-5), ranked No. 3 in the state among Division III teams, held a 20-9 edge in offensive rebounds.

They also had a decisive rebounding advantage during a late 10-0 run that broke a 51-51 tie.

Alemany (17-5), ranked No. 3 in the region by The Times and No. 4 in the state among Division IV teams, was outscored, 12-2, to start the game and trailed, 19-11, after one quarter.

Kate Beckler and Karina Siam each had four points as Alemany scored eight unanswered points late in the first half, cutting the deficit to 33-29 by halftime.

The Indians took their first lead with 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter when Beckler’s driving scoop shot gave them a 43-42 advantage.

Alemany increased its advantage to 48-44 early in the fourth quarter on Kelly Beckler’s three-point basket.

After that, the Indians made only one basket and two free throws.

Kate Beckler and Siam each scored 18 points for the Indians. Shannon Howell, who has signed with Nebraska, scored 17 for St. Bernard.