Doherty's 18 points lead Sachem E. past Kellenberg, 61-44

Meagan Doherty didn't have an impact offensively in her first two games after a one-month absence because of a partially torn left MCL. But for the second consecutive game, the sophomore guard is showing signs of adding another dimension to a very good Sachem East team.

Doherty scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half as Sachem East defeated host Kellenberg, 61-44, Monday in a non-league girls basketball game between two of the top teams on Long Island.

Doherty, coming off a 16-point game, scored nine in a 20-7 third quarter that gave the Flaming Arrows a 49-27 lead.

"I had a rough start the first few games," said Doherty, who plays with a knee brace. "I was sore. I'm still a little sore, but I am getting in better shape. I want to say I'm 100 percent, but I am probably around 90."

Said Sachem East coach Matt Brisson: "She's still not even 75 percent. Her shot is coming because her legs are starting to come back a little bit. The conditioning part is going to come back with time."

Doherty hit three three-pointers yesterday and four three-pointers in her last game. "Meagan is one of the best spot-up three-point shooters around," said her senior sister, Kristen. "If she has her feet under her, the ball is going in the basket."

It starts with Kristen for Sachem East (8-3). The Boston College-bound guard had 27 points, nine steals and six rebounds. She struggled from the field (10-for-30), but her defense was instrumental in the win. She had several steals in the first half that led to easy baskets as the Flaming Arrows led 29-20 at the half.

SEE PHOTOSSachem East 61, Kellenberg 44

Doherty also guarded Marist-bound Emma O'Connor in the full court and when O'Connor went to the post, Caitlin Hopkins (10 points) switched to O'Connor, who was limited to 11 shots from the field. O'Connor had 12 points and nine rebounds. Nicole Trepeta's 16 points led Kellenberg (6-3).

"Kristen Doherty played lock-up defense on me," O'Connor said. "I tried to get the ball when I could, but their defense was really tight on our guards and we couldn't get into our offense. She does everything. It's hard to defend her. I'm used to guarding a big player in practice and it was hard to stop her. She's a little too quick for me."

Sachem East went on a 16-2 run to take a 46-25 lead with 1:04 left in the third quarter.

"The past couple of years we tend to sit there and watch Kristen play and expect her to win the game for us," Meagan Doherty said. "This year we have different players stepping up for us."