Ocean City girls fall to Neptune

The postseason run of South Jersey Group 3 champion Ocean City ended Wednesday night in a 75-40 loss to national powerhouse Neptune in the state girls' basketball semifinals at Williamstown.

The Red Raiders made a strong run through South Jersey Group 3 but met their match in one of the biggest, strongest, and fastest teams in the state.

"We never quit, and that's all you can ask for," Ocean City coach Paul Baruffi said. "I'm proud of the team, and I'm not going to let this put any damper on the season."

Ocean City (23-7) was led by Emily Duggan, who netted nine points. Duggan's sister Julia contributed eight.

Neptune (25-1), a perennial state power, was paced by guards Shakena Richardson and Syessence Davis. The two Rutgers recruits netted 26 and nine points, respectively.

Noelle Carter chipped in 10 points for Neptune, scoring all 10 in the third quarter.

The Red Raiders looked strong at times in the game, scoring a hard-fought 14 points in the second quarter, including going 5 for 6 from the foul line.

But Neptune, strong in every aspect of the game, never allowed Ocean City back into the contest.

"I think we had some great accomplishments this season," Julia Duggan said. "It would be nice to keep going. But it was still a great season."

Ocean City   4 14 9 13 – 40

Neptune   20 23 25 7 – 75

OC: Emily Gillian 7, Reily Larkin 8, Emily Duggan 9, Kelsey Ladd 2, Natalie Landi 4, Julia Duggan 8, Danielle St. Clair 2.

N: Shakena Richardson 26, Syessence Davis 9, Ivy Harrington 3, Chyna Golden 11, Nahja Carter 10, Morgan Thompson 6, Noelle Carter 10.