Federation semifinal tall order for Lutheran girls

Long Island Lutheran hasn't played since March 8, a 79-54 victory over Dalton in the NYSAIS final, which was their only game since Feb. 24.

Lutheran has been scrimmaging top teams to avoid rustiness. The Crusaders are making their second consecutive trip to the state Federation Tournament and are loaded with talent. Lutheran has an advantage in the middle every time it takes the court with 6-3 Molloy-bound center Jess DeNicola. And the Crusaders have plenty of other scoring options. Sam Milhaven, Christina Raiti, Paige Kriftcher and Sam Plunkett have all scored in double figures this season.

Lutheran, which is seeking its first Federation title, played an extremely tough schedule this season, facing non-league opponents such as St. Mary's, Mary Louis Academy, New Rochelle, Uniondale and Bishop Ford.

Irvington won its first state title since 1990 when it defeated Oneonta, 54-33, last Saturday at Hudson Valley CC. Irvington was in Class C in 1990 and also won the Federation crown that season. Tara Gabelman had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the state final and was named tournament MVP. Alexis Martins also had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the game. Gabelman and Martins are two of three Irvington players taller than 5-9 who will counter DeNicola. Marley Giddins is the other. Irvington starts three seniors: Gabelman and guards Lisa Bucci and Riley Harrington.

The winner of today's game advances to take on either CHSAA champion Lancaster St. Mary's or PSAL champion Goldstein-Science at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.