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Webber's career day leads Andover to dominant win

Monday, February, 16 By David Willis
Staff writer

DANVERS — She slashed to the hoop and crashed the boards, she sunk jumpers from the top of the key and paint, and even swished a shot from a seemingly impossible angle in the corner.

It didn't matter where Jillian Webber was on the court, the ball was sailing into the basket.

"I guess I did feel like I was in the zone," said Webber, with a little encouragement. "I kept getting the ball, I took my shots and they went in. It was just incredible."

The sophomore star erupted for a career-high 21 points, including 19 in the first half as Andover built a 34-point lead and cruised to a 74-27 victory over Boston Latin in the first round of the IAABO Larry McIntire Classic at St. John's Prep.

The Golden Warriors now advance to play Whittier, which outlasted Newton South 69-64 in overtime, in the IAABO final on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Prep in a battle of two of the top 20 teams in Eastern Mass. Andover is ranked seventh and Whittier is 17th.

"Whittier is a great team, they have scouted us and probably have an idea what we want to do," said Webber. "But as long as we play defense and don't rush our offense, we believe we can beat them."

Those Wildcats to stayed at the Prep gym to scout on Monday were treated to a career performance for Webber.

The 6-foot center, who entered the day averaging 9.3 points a game, needed less than a half to surpass her career-high of 18 points . She scored 12 points in the first quarter alone, helping the Warriors to a 29-5 edge. By the midpoint of the second quarter, Webber and the rest of the Andover starters were playing sparingly.

"I am just so proud of Jillian," said star forward Alyssa Casey. "She always finds a way to maneuver into the open spots and is always ready for the ball. And when she gets it she finishes at the hoop like a guy. We are close friends and I am so thrilled to see her have this king of night."

Webber did it all, dominating the paint with her size, finishing hard at the bucket on layups and a finger roll and showing a smooth shooting stroke which she just recently unveiled in game action. 

When she wasn't scoring, Webber was also a force under the basket, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking four shots.

"I was playing with confidence today," said Webber. "That's really the key to basketball. You have to be confident. Alyssa and I also have excellent chemistry. We always know where the other is and make great passes."

While Webber was starring, Casey was also her dominant self. 

The sophomore forward chipped in 17 points, 12 in the first two quarters as she was basically finished by halftime. She also grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds and blocked two shots.

"I was in a little bit of a funk so I had to relax, take a break and just play," said Casey. "Jillian and I work well together. We know each other so well. We almost have a sixth sense for where the other is going to be. And our guards are great too."

Colleen Caveney added 14 points for the winners hile point guard Rachael Cormier had 11 assists. 

"To win and get get everyone into the game is great," said Cormier. "We didn't force the offense. Jillian did a great job and a lot of players stepped up. Whittier is going to be tough. We will have to double (Samnell) Vonleh and protect against their guards."