Those who think Marist is a year away from being a state-title contender may have to reconsider.
Sisters Olivia and Lucy Cosme are the only seniors on the 12-player roster, yet the RedHawks have gotten off to a 14-3 start.
Did the players see this coming? Yes and no.
“It wasn’t that surprising,” Marist junior forward Lily Porter said. “It’s been our goal all year.
“I knew we were going to be good because I spent so much time with the team, so it wasn’t that shocking. But it’s a little shocking how well we work together and then play together.”
The RedHawks played well in making a run to the Montini Christmas Tournament championship game, where they ran into a red-hot Benet squad. The Redwings (12-1) extended their winning streak to 12 games by beating Marist 59-38 on Dec. 27.
The game was tight for the entire first half. Olivia Cosme made a 3-pointer to give the RedHawks a 19-16 lead with 2:35 left in the second quarter. But Benet outscored them 34-9 over the next 13 minutes, capping it with a 20-2 run.
“I just think they had a little more effort in the second half,” Porter said. “We needed to do more, not one specific thing but just like everything.”
The 5-foot-10 Porter did all she could to help the RedHawks at Montini as she was named first-team all-tournament. Teammate Lucy Cosme earned second-team honors.
“I think I kind of keep us calm because a lot of times, like this game, it was very chaotic,” Porter said. “I feel like everyone has their own role and they know what their role is.
“But I’m not the sole person that does everything. We all do something and if I’m off one game, I know my teammates will be able to back me up and they will make up for what I’m not doing.”
Porter, who had 29 points and nine rebounds in an 82-61 semifinal win over Lyons on Dec.. 26, had five points and four rebounds against Benet. Junior guard Caroline Flynn scored a team-high 15 points, while Olivia Cosme added eight points and two steals in the final.
Against Lyons (11-4), Lucy Cosme had 18 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Olivia Cosme contributed 12 points, six assists, five steals and four rebounds and Flynn added eight points and nine boards. Grace Harmon and Olivia Barsch both scored six points.
How does Porter feel about Marist’s finish?
“I’m pretty happy with it,” Porter said. “It’s a sour note to go out on but I’m still proud of my teammates and myself. I think we did pretty good.”
The RedHawks won’t have to wait long to try to avenge the defeat to Benet. They host the Redwings on Jan. 5 and travel to Lisle to play them a third time on Jan. 21.
“They’re in our conference,” Porter noted. “So we’ll see them again.”
Also making the all-tourney first team was Lyons’ Emma O’Brien. Lyons’ Gwen Smith and St. Laurence’s Siyah Thomas were named to the second team.