Girls Basketball will advance to the quarterfinal round of States, facing off against North Plainfield on Tuesday night, Feb. 22. The Rams got the nod to go on after eviscerating Rahway in the first round of States, winning by a whopping 44 points, 60-16, on Feb. 20, and bringing the team’s season record to an impressive 23-2.

Prior to this, the Rams enjoyed a series of seven wins and only one loss during the month of February. The month started strong, with wins against Mo Beard, 47-21, on Feb. 1; Madison, 44-42, on Feb. 4; and Mendham, 56-28, on Feb. 7. These were followed by an unfortunate defeat to Morris Catholic in the County semis, 75-44, on Feb. 10, but the Rams made a comeback over the next four games, beating Mahwah, 28-22, on Feb. 13; West Morris, 38-29, on Feb. 15; Morris Knolls, 54-32, on Feb. 16, which was also Senior Night; and Rahway, 60-16, in the first round of States.

At all games, the Rams put on their typical, impressive display on the court. The Mendham game, however, on Feb. 7 deserves special recognition as it celebrated the launch of National Women in Sports Day, a year-long celebration of female athletes, which began on Feb. 1.

During halftime at the Mendham game, countless high school girls’ sports teams were celebrated and individual athletes and coaches were praised. Among those recognized were Kelly Lambert, a physical education teacher; Sue Falleni, a girls gymnastics coach, and senior Katie Lachanski, an active member of the school community.

As for the game itself, Mendham scored the first basket. However, senior co-captain Sydney Jenisch quickly stole back the lead for the Rams after sinking a beautiful 3-pointer, making the first field goal of the game.

The first quarter included impressive defense by sophomore Kayla Brand, who dove to the ground on several occasions to win the ball. Lambo also made a spectacular steal from the ground as she passed it to Jenisch who assisted senior Vivian Barry in a flawless layup. The first quarter ended with the Rams leading by six.

“The determination of these girls was inspiring, as they continued to prove what teamwork looked like,” said Lindsey Bona, a fan in the student section.

The game picked up during the second quarter as Mendham attempted to catch up by scoring the first basket. Once again, Sydney Jenisch denied their attempt at reducing the Rams’ lead by dropping another three.

On the next play, Aliyah Lambo drove to the basket on a breakaway, scoring a flawless layup. This was followed by a seamless steal leading to a 3-point play (layup and free throw) by junior Katie Tighe.

Lambo finished off the half by banking a 3-pointer of the glass, making the score 31-15 Rams.

“I would say defense was our strength in this game, by hustling back, fighting for the ball, and constantly communicating, we were able to take home another win,” Lambo said.

At the start the third quarter, senior co-captain Madison Jenisch made an impeccable one-handed layup, a wonderful way to begin the second half. Later, Tighe assisted Madison Jenisch in a three-pointer, making the score 38-26.

Finally, the fourth quarter started off with Barry making a wonderful 3-pointer followed up by Brand’s 3-point play (layup and free throw). An astonishing defensive display from the Rams prevented Mendham from getting a basket for nearly the entire quarter. This sealed the deal for the Rams to take home yet another win.

Tighe finished off the game with seven points to Madison Jenisch’s 11, but both players finished with six rebounds and three steals. Brand and Lambo scored eight points each, Brand with four assists, and Lambo with two steals and a block. Barry earned seven total points, and Sydney Jenisch led the team with 14 points.

The Rams hit the road next, playing against North Plainfield in the quarterfinal round of the State Tournament, on Tuesday, Feb. 22.