By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Feb. 22, 2017:  The Bronxville girls' basketball team defeated Blind Brook, 63-42, in the first round of sectional playoffs. Number 4 Bronxville will face No. 5 Woodlands in the quarterfinals at home today at 5:00 pm.

The Broncos, who defeated the Trojans twice during the regular season, struggled early in Saturday's home game.

"Our first playoff game started off rocky, but we pulled the game away during the third quarter," said senior co-captain Ellie Walsh. "We had momentum coming out of the first half, and we knew that we needed to keep it up to get the win."

The Broncos played a great team game against Blind Brook. Walsh was one of the top scorers, with 13 points; eighth-grader Brooke Tatarian had 18, and senior Aly Schultz, 12.

"The first playoff game was a good start to the post-season," said Schultz, "and Coach Lucas has been preparing us for our upcoming game against Woodlands."

The Woodlands game is critical because it determines who makes it to the final four at the Westchester County Center. The last time the girls' team made it to the County Center was six years ago.

"The Woodlands game will be difficult, but we are in a better position than any other team for six years," said Walsh. "We worked all season to get the first two playoff games home, and we did it. Now we see Woodlands next on our home court with nothing to lose."

Part of the Broncos' success this season can be attributed to the closeness of the team.

"Some of us have been playing together for four years now," said Schultz. "This team has tremendous depth and chemistry. We love each other like family." Teammate Walsh could not agree more, adding that part of the reason they play well together on the court is because of friendships off the court.

Bronxville and Woodlands have not played against each other yet this year. The 15-4 Broncos finished first in Conference 3, League B; Woodlands, which placed second in League C to a strong Irvington team, finished the regular season with an 11-4 record. The winner of Wednesday's quarterfinal will face the winner of Dobbs Ferry/Irvington on Tuesday, February 28, at the County Center.

"Win or lose, I plan to play my role and give it my all," said Schultz, "and I will never forget or regret giving up two hours a day, six days per week to this team."

Go Broncos. 

Pictured here: The Bronxville girls' varsity basketball team.  

Photo by M. Walsh