Emotional Ridley conquers Springfield for Central League title
Ridley’s Dakota McCaughan hits one of her five 3-point shots over Springfield’s Alyssa Long in Tuesday’s Central League final. McCaughan scored 24 points in the Green Raiders’ 52-40 victory. (PETE BANNAN/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
By Matt Smith
With red eyes and tears streaming down her face, Ridley High junior Shannen Hinchey gave a big hug to her coach, Roe Falcone.
The 52-40 victory over Springfield for the Central League championship Tuesday night at Harriton was quite an emotional experience for the Green Raiders.
For years, the Green Raiders were no better than a middle-of-the-pack Central League team. They often were over-matched against the league’s elite.
After going 9-13 last season, the Green Raiders are champions. They have earned a first-round bye in the District 1 Class 6A tournament.
They proved again Tuesday that they are for real.
Dakota Mccaughan at our post game interview (1:28:40) after Ridley wins the Central League Basketball Championship. Phot0 by Mike Mayer/Delcohoops.com.
And that explains why Hinchey was so teary-eyed when she was looking for anyone – coaches, teammates, fans, family members – to embrace.
“It’s because we never got the respect that I feel we deserve and now we have finally shown that we are the best team in the Central League,” said Hinchey, who produced nine points, six rebounds and a pair of steals. “Everybody has contributed all year and we practice every day of the week — well, except for Sunday – and we go out and we work our butts off every single day.
“We finally got what we deserve.”
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