Caldwell girls basketball tops Glen Rock to reach state final
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BLOOMFIELD — Addison Keenan took over the game, and her Caldwell girls basketball team is headed to its first state final in 30 years.
Keenan, a junior guard, scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Chiefs past Glen Rock, 68-43, in the Group 2 state semifinal at Bloomfield High School on March 10.
The Panthers led early in the game and were only down 14-12 with six minutes to go in the second quarter. Caldwell followed with a 16-2 run to break things open.
“Defensively, they put the pressure on, and that fueled our offense,” Chiefs coach Amanda Keenan said. “We were able to get in transition, and these girls just don’t stop working… the more the game goes on, the harder they work.”
That was evident even as Caldwell (27-2) began to pull away late. Starters finally began to exit with about two minutes to go, and the Essex County team received hearty ovations from a fan base that only had to travel seven miles down the road.
What it means
After winning their first sectional championship since 1996 in North 2, Group 2, the Chiefs are headed to their first state final since that year.
They wound up losing to Point Pleasant Boro, 42-39, and will face another Shore Conference team this time around after Manasquan advanced to its ninth Group 2 title game in 12 years.
“They’re an amazing team, so we definiely have to scout them well,” Addison Keenan said, “and just come out with this same energy.”
The Group 2 final is scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at Rutgers University.
Glen Rock finished 23-7 and won both the NJIC Tournament and North 1, Group 2 trophies for the second year in a row.
Familiar foes
The two schools had met in the Zach Latteri Benefit Games at IHA on Jan. 24, when Caldwell emerged with a 48-37 victory.
That provided a bit of advance scouting for the rematch.
“Oh, we learned,” Amanda Keenan said. “They’re a phenomenal team, they work hard, and we knew we were in for a game.”
Game balls
► In addition to her 25 points, Addison Keenan (Amanda’s daughter) tallied 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 of the Chiefs’ 10 steals.
► Fellow senior Téa Fiore had 17 points and 4 rebounds, and sophomore sister Fallon Fiore logged 13 points and 4 assists.
► Glen Rock senior starters Mia Vergel de Dios (18 points, 4 assists), Anna Heuss (6 points, 6 rebounds) and Abby Grove (5 points, 6 rebounds) each received an ovation as they exited the game in the final minutes. Sophomore Morgan Grove subbed in for her older sister.
They said it
“We have the same players as last year, but we’ve changed so much. Our team chemistry is just on a different level – I think that’s the hugest thing. We just love each other and we love playing for each other.” —Addison Keenan, whose team lost to Madison in the 2024 sectional final
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Caldwell NJ girls basketball tops Glen Rock to reach state final