MORGANTOWN — When junior Mallory Napolillo is nearby, it’s better just to pass the ball.
At 5-foot-11, the University High forward is a force inside. On Tuesday night, John Marshall learned just how dominate she is.
Napolillo tallied 24 points, eight rebounds, eight blocks and five assists t as the Hawks downed 69-44 in the Class AAA Region I championship to advance to the state tournament.
“I just knew coming into the game that I wanted really badly — I wanted to go to states,” she said. “I just went out and played my hardest. I knew I had to give it my everything if I didn’t want our season to end.”
Napolillo’s presence alone was enough to stifle the Monarchs’ offense, disrupting shots and patrolling the boards nearly every trip down the floor.
“In practice, Coach (David) Price has been harping on me to get that extra step,” she said. “I’ve really been working on my defense to get low and get out there a little bit farther so I can contest the shots but still get back for the drive.”
Fellow forwards Ashten Boggs and Abbie Coen joined Napolillo in outmatching the Monarchs with their size — the trio combined for 62 points, 19 rebounds, 12 assists and nine blocks. As a team, UHS out-rebounded John Marshall
29-19.
“When those kids are quick enough to play defense on guard-like players, and then you’ve got the advantage on the other end, that’s a huge blessing to us as coaches,” Price said. “Those girls do a great job of distributing to each other and scoring down inside. I think they’re really playing well with each other right now.”
The win advances to the Hawks to the state tournament at the Charleston Civic Center. It marks their first trip to the tournament since 2009.
“We finally punched that ticket, and it’s been a long time coming. We’ve had some special accomplishments from some special kids this year,” Price said. “They’ve gelled together and played hard together. They get along well, and they care about each other. They’re making plays, finding people when they’re open, and creating for each other.”
The action in Charleston will open March 6. The Hawks will enter as the No. 3 seed, and will face No. 6 Martinsburg in the quarterfinals.
“There are no words — I’m just so ecstatic,” Napolillo said. “Winning OVACs was one step towards our goals, and this was our next. Now it’s just to win the state championship. We’re trying to go all the way.”
