Obama Claims 4th Straight City League Girls Hoops Crown

By: Bruce Markey
Sunday, February 19, 2017 | 11:38 PM

The seniors of Obama Academy’s girls basketball team have become accustomed to winning championships, dating back to their time in middle school. They continued that trend on Sunday in the City League Championship at the Petersen Events Center, as the Eagles defeated Taylor Allderdice 64-53. In the process, Obama Academy captured its fourth-consecutive title.

To score the triumph, Obama (16-8) used a strong second half, paced by senior Michaela Porter, the two-time reigning City League MVP. Porter, who is committed to the University of Cincinnati, netted a game-high 22 points, including 18 in the second half. Porter had plenty of support, however, including Taylor Stewart, who provided 19 points and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

The contest began with the Eagles gaining the upper hand, courtesy of their suffocating full-court pressure. After a pair of early time outs by Allderdice (11-13), which start a trio of freshman, the Dragons regained their composure, though. As a result, the Dice pulled within a single point at the end of the first quarter, 15-14.

The second frame belonged to the Dragons, as they outscored the Eagles 14-9. Leading the attack was freshman point guard Emma Waite, who contributed eight points and guided the offense.

Trailing by four points coming out of the locker room, the Eagles showed the experience and resolve that made them champions. Obama’s defense tightened, and Porter, Stewart and An’Drea Williams provided the scoring punch. Obama sealed the outcome in the fourth, as Porter scored 13 points in the frame.

In addition to Porter and Stewart, Taylin Tyler scored in double figures for the Eagles, as she netted 13. For the Dragons, two freshman led the way, as Sophia North contributed 15 points, while Brooklyn Jones notched 12.

Both teams advance to the PIAA postseason, as Obama will host Hollidaysburg in Class 5A on Tuesday, while Allderdice will play Erie McDowell in 6A on Friday, at Carrick High School.

Tags: Allderdice