Majorana's 34 lead Manhasset past GNN
Halle Majorana looks for an open teammate in the first quarter. (Feb. 13, 2012) Credit: James Escher
She likes to go by the nickname "H Money,'' and Monday night, Halle Majorana was money for Manhasset.
The senior scored 16 of her career-high 34 points in the third quarter, rallying host Manhasset to a 58-46 win over Great Neck North in girls basketball. Manhasset (12-5, 7-5) earned third place in Nassau Conference A-III by sweeping the season series with Great Neck North (10-8, 7-5).
After having difficulty with her shooting in the first half, Majorana paid dividends in the third quarter. The Maryland-bound lacrosse star scored Manhasset's first 11 points and gave the Indians their first lead, at 37-36, on a three-pointer with just over two minutes left in the third.
"My shots weren't falling in the first half, but I knew I had to keep composed and keep taking shots and I knew they were going to eventually fall," said Majorana, who added five rebounds and five assists. "Once I saw they were giving me the opening, I just kept driving."
Jen Doppelt had 22 points for Great Neck North, which had led by 13 at 24-11. Jackie Behar had eight of her 12 points in the second quarter for the Blazers, who led 26-19 at halftime.
Majorana closed the third quarter with a three-pointer to give Manhasset a 42-38 lead. She kept the momentum going into the fourth, hitting another three and stealing the ball on the ensuing play before converting a three-point play.
"She's just a tremendous athlete, just her fire and passion,'' Manhasset coach Lauren Majewski said. "Sometimes it can get the best of her, but ultimately she's a weapon on every cylinder. I told her, 'We need you to win tonight and we need you to have a good night.' "
Kaitlin Miller had nine points and 13 rebounds for Manhasset, which has rebounded from a disappointing 2010-11 season thanks in large part to Majorana.
"This is awesome because Manhasset hasn't really been known for its basketball team and we're making a change this year," Majorana said. "This really meant a lot to us, and we're looking to move forward and play some really good teams in the playoffs and hopefully surprise some people."
