GIRLS: Morris Catholic blitzes past Clayton, 65-21

CARY -- Morris Catholic certainly represented for New Jersey in the Wonderland opening round at Cary Academy

The Crusaders were in control throughout on the way to a 65-21 victory over the Clayton Comets. Morris Catholic will play Apex Friendship at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the semifinals while Clayton takes on North Pitt at 11 a.m. Clayton started the game off with a pair of baskets by Darrionna Howard, but Morris Catholic responded with an 8-0 run. The Crusaders’ Daniella Matus had a stretch of perimeter makes, including a 3-pointer to end the first quarter and two more as Morris Catholic took a 22-12 advantage early in the second. Morris Catholic continued to pour it on, eventually taking a 31-12 lead into the break. The Crusaders never let up in the second half, going up by as many as 44, forcing a running clock in the process. For Morris Catholic, Matus led the team in scoring with 15 and added four rebounds. Mia Pauldo added 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals while Mya Pauldo had nine points, five rebounds and five assists.

For Clayton, Howard had six points and 10 rebounds while Kaylin McKoy had nine points.