St. Anthony's comes through in tough time

Basketball is the last thing going through the minds of the St. Anthony's basketball team since Thursday when four members of the team and a classmate were involved in a car accident. All five were taken in an ambulance to the hospital.

The Friars had a game to play Saturday at InTech Academy against Middle College in the Kennedy Challenge and did so with six players. According to coach Ken Parham, Kerrin Maurer suffered a fractured ankle and two hip fractures; Brianna Harris has a separated shoulder and needed stitches; Micky Impellizeri needed stitches in several areas, and Symone Kelly suffered what appeared to be a minor back injury, the coach said. Carolyn Lizza also missed the game with an illness.

That left four freshmen and two sophomores and they all did a terrific job in a 52-42 win.

Johanna Impellizeri had 13 points and 14 rebounds, Jennifer Sixsmith had 12 points and 12 rebounds and Rebecca Musgrove - the lone regular starter - had 12 points and six assists for St. Anthony's (13-2). Shannon White had eight points, Maggie Bill seven and Sydney Sodine played limited minutes as a reserve.

Whether they won or loss was irrelevant, but at least the win made them feel good in a difficult time. It was a great job by St. Anthony's and the coaches. Our prayers go out to the five girls and we wish them a speedy recovery. 

www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-basketball/friars-win-two-days-after-four-starters-are-injured-in-auto-accident-1.1721308