S.J. boys and girls: Shawnee girls return to state final

Two days removed from clinching its second straight South Jersey Group 4 championship, the Shawnee girls' basketball team can keep on celebrating.

The Renegades advanced to the State Group 4 final Thursday night for the second consecutive year with a 49-40 semifinal win over Marlboro at Timber Creek.

"Our girls played hard and stepped up in a tough game," Shawnee coach Chrissy McGovern said. "But we love these types of games and excel in them."

In the third quarter, Marlboro looked to take its first lead, tying the game 28-28, but behind the strong play of co-captains Nikola Williams and Taylor Ryan gave Shawnee the advantage.

Williams, who led the team with 18 points and six rebounds, netted five in the period. Ryan sank six free throws in the third and finished 7 for 8 at the free-throw line.

"I praised them for their mental and physical toughness," McGovern said. "It was a tough, but we're back to where we wanted to be."

Morgan Lenahan scored 16 points, dished out five assists, and made five steals as Haddon Township cruised past South River, 56-27, at Deptford to advance to the state final for the third time in the last six seasons.

Bella Preziosi added 12 points. Sarah Getzinger contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. Alyxiah Carr had seven rebounds and five steals.

Madison Gibson and Lauren Holden each scored 16 points for Lower Cape May in a 77-43 loss to Manasquan at Williamstown.

Mike Cubbage had 14 points as Winslow Township fell to Ewing, 80-57, at Brick Memorial.