Neumann-Goretti girls one win away from elusive state title

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - It started with a promise four years ago. A promise Ciani Cryor made to her friend and AAU teammate, Sianni Martin.

Come play with her at Prep Charter, the incoming freshman said. Together, they'd help the Huskies win championships.

Now seniors, the two explosive guards are at Neumann-Goretti, and they are on the verge of a championship after a dominant 77-41 win Tuesday night over Holy Redeemer at Freedom High School in the PIAA Class AA semifinals. Kamiah Smalls led the Saints with 18 points.

Cryor, Martin and Neumann-Goretti (30-0) are headed back to Hershey, where they will try to avenge a loss in the state final last year.

"It would mean a whole lot to win that game," Cryor said. "Me and Si, we both talk about how big that game is for us coming off that loss we took last year. We just want to end our high school careers off with a great win, and we just want to make history."

Cryor, who scored 17 points, ended up going to Prep Charter as a freshman, while Martin, who scored 12, enrolled at neighboring N-G in South Philly.

Cryor went on to play in the state tournament with Prep Chater and won a District 12 and Public League title along the way.

Then, following her sophomore season, sanctions were put on Prep Charter. Cryor knew that in order to continue her basketball career, she'd have to transfer.

This time it was Martin doing the persuading. It wasn't hard to convince Cryor of where to go.

Over the past two seasons, the Saints are 59-1, captured two Catholic League championships, and two District 12 Class AA titles. But one title has remained elusive: a state championship.

"I'm very excited for it, but I don't want to rush it because I know it is going to be my last game for my high school career," Martin said. "It's unfinished business."

Martin and Cryor have been playing basketball together for eight years now. They've been on different teams, rocked different hairstyles, and worn different jersey numbers in that span. They've won four championships for the Saints.

There's still one to go.

Holy Redeemer 12 7 11 10 - 41

Neumann-Goretti 22 21 12 20 - 77

HR: Alexis Lewis 20, Leah Mullery 5, Meghan Corridoni 4,Rebecca Prociak 3, Autumn Kaminski 3, Brittany Hebda 2, Lauren Wasiakowski 2, Lydia Lawson 1, Randie Kuhar 1.

NG: Kamiah Smalls 18, Ciani Cryor 17, Siannia Martin 12, AJ Timbers 11, Alisha Kebbe 5, Jada Russell 5, Jabria Ingram 2, Melanie Schoolfield 2.