Grella's Masterclass Propels No. 16 IHA Past Resilient Ridgewood

You know, some games just grab you from the first whistle, and last night's showdown between the No. 16 Immaculate Heart Academy and Ridgewood High was absolutely one of them. It was a real battle on the hardwood, brimming with intensity, but when the final buzzer sounded, IHA walked away with a pretty convincing 56-44 win. And honestly, a huge chunk of that success can be attributed to an absolute masterclass from their sophomore sensation, Reese Grella.

Grella, she wasn't just scoring, you see. She was everywhere, doing a bit of everything – the kind of player every coach dreams of having on their roster. We're talking an impressive 21 points, yeah, but also nearly a double-double with 9 boards. Plus, she dished out 4 assists to her teammates and snagged 3 steals that really seemed to turn the tide in crucial moments. It was, quite simply, a truly dominant effort, a real statement game for her and for the entire IHA squad.

But let's not forget, basketball is very much a team sport, right? While Grella was certainly the catalyst, she wasn't alone in this thrilling victory. Gabby DiDio, the senior, really stepped up too, adding a solid 14 points and pulling down 5 rebounds with fierce determination. And another sophomore, Katya Halvorsen, contributed a vital 8 points and grabbed 7 rebounds herself, demonstrating the depth and collective spirit of this IHA team. They really gelled, especially when it counted most, finding their rhythm and extending their lead in the second half.

Now, Ridgewood, they didn't just roll over, not by a long shot. They fought hard, making IHA earn every single point. Isabella Winn, their senior, she gave it her all, leading her team with a fantastic 17 points and 5 rebounds, showing real leadership. Katie McCarthy also hit double digits with 10 points, proving to be a persistent threat. They kept it close for a good while, pushing IHA, which just makes Immaculate Heart's eventual pull-away even more impressive and a testament to their focus and execution.

This win? It's huge for Immaculate Heart Academy. It doesn't just add another 'W' to their record; it really underlines their status as a top-tier team in the state and gives them some fantastic momentum moving forward into what's sure to be a challenging season. With players like Grella leading the charge, backed by such a solid and supportive cast, who knows how far they can truly go? It’s exciting, really, to watch this team develop.