It may have been Senior Day at Nanuet, but it was an Albertus Magnus sophomore who stole the show.
Madison McGrath dropped in 20 points for the Falcons, who soared past Nanuet 53-39 Wednesday.
"We played a lot better than we have been, and we rebounded the ball a lot better," McGrath said. "We kept (Nanuet) to one shot most of the game."
Albertus Magnus coach Pat Buckley said McGrath has been the team's most improved player.
"If you look at the first game and right now, she's really come a long way," he said. "She's so coachable, and she's a great kid. I'm happy to see her play well."
McGrath scored 14 of her points in the first half, helping her team to a 31-14 lead at the break. Manhattan-bound senior Maeve Parahus expects the sophomore to have more games like Wednesday's.
"She's capable of it," Parahus said. "She should be (scoring 20 points) every game."
Parahus, who led all scorers with 22 points, said the team's success on the boards is what will lead to a long run in the Section 1 tournament next week.
"When we rebound, we win," she said. "That's what we showed today -- we rebounded, we ran the floor, and that's how we won the game."
In addition to their rebounding, the Falcons (10-7) also got some practice from the 3-point line, going 6 of 25 from beyond the arc.
Whereas most coaches tell their players to avoid 3-pointers, Buckley is fine with his girls taking the shots, provided they have a good look.
"I think we're a good shooting team," he said. "We put an emphasis on trying to get to the basket more, but for a lot of our girls that is their game and I want them to play their game."
Nanuet (9-8) honored six seniors prior to the start of the game: Kathleen Baer, Monica Galvin, Theresa Jelalian, Crystal Ortiz, Dana Rohan and Katherine Zoda, each of whom had relatives in attendance.
Rohan led the Golden Knights with 15 points and six blocks. Jelalian added 12 points.
"It was definitely sad knowing that this could be my last (home) game," Rohan said. "It gave me all the more motivation to get out there and win for my team."
The Nanuet junior varsity and varsity programs have been participating in the fundraiser "Threes for Sandy Hook," where the team donates $3 for every 3-pointer and every three free-throws they make this season.
"It gives us a lot more motivation to shoot 3s because it's going to a good cause," Rohan added.
Following Monday's game, the Nanuet program has raised more than $225 for the families of Sandy Hook victims.
