The last two weeks of December were cruel to Whippany Park, which went 0-6 in that span.
Since then, the Wildcats have greatly improved, going 12-7, including a 42-38 victory over Mount Olive on Saturday, Feb. 27.
Whippany Park, which received 14 points from sophomore Jenna Holleran and 12 from Mayada Ahmed, benefited from a 15-point run in the fourth quarter to gain the come-from-behind win.
"We pressed a bit to get some turnovers," Wildcats coach Tom Wilson said. "We did a better job with the diamond and one on Sarah McEvoy. We made it so she couldn't get to the basket without more opposition."
McEvoy, a senior guard-forward, scored 15 points, including the 1,000th of her career, in the third quarter. She was scoreless in the closing period.
With the Marauders ahead, 32-24, after Gina Verrone's three-point play 1:10 into the fourth quarter, the Wildcats reeled off 15 unanswered points, nine by Holleran. The scoring streak began with a putback by Holleran. Next, Mayada Ahmed, 5 for 6 at the foul line over the last 4:41, sank two free throws after making a steal to put Whippany Park in front, 33-32.
Gwyneth Gaynor put in a 3-pointer off the glass 39 seconds later, widening the Wildcats' advantage to four, 36-32. Mount Olive battled back with a three-point play by Verrone and a 3-pointer by Borozan, cutting its deficit to one, 39-38. Whippany Park converted 3-of-4 foul shots in the last 19 seconds to seal the win.
West Morris 50, Randolph 32
West Morris, buoyed by Katlyn Bridges' 12 points and seven rebounds, prevailed over Randolph on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Ilissa Webb (11 points) and Benecia Emiliano (10 points) joined Bridges in double figures. The Wolfpack improved to 21-5.
Jada Jones had nine points for Randolph (6-15).
Mendham 43, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 41
The Minutemen (14-9) had a big fourth quarter on Wednesday, Feb. 24, outscoring Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 20-13, to gain a come-from-behind win.
Ashley Gehrin and Courtney Bundschuh had 17 and 13 points, respectively, for Mendham.
Amani Williams had 14 for Scotch Plains-Fanwood.
Chatham 54, Montville 50
Chloe Blanc, a sophomore guard, scored 14 points to pace Chatham to a 54-50 win over Montville on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Veronica Kelly and Cassie Falone added 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Cougars, now 16-8.
The Mustangs were fueled by Kelly O'Reilly, who had 19 points.
Jefferson 47, Ridgefield Park
Taylor Langan turned in a double-double, scoring 19 points and taking down 11 rebounds in the Falcons' victory over Ridgefield Park on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Julia Murawinski finished with 11 points and eight rebounds for Jefferson (21-3).
Samantha Rinaldi (12 points) and Cassandra Cruz (11) were in double figures for Ridgefield Park.
Morristown-Beard 40, Parsippany 32
Freshman Bridget Monaghan had 20 points for the Crimson, who beat the Red Hawks on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Nicole Borowiec added 11 for Morristown-Beard (13-11).
Parsippany's Nicole Hill had 14 points.
Madison 41, Dover 24
The Dodgers, behind Sam de Poortere's 11 points and 17 rebounds, defeated the Tigers on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Catherine Crowley also had a double-double (12 points, 13 rebounds) for Madison (8-13).
Kayla Beal topped Dover with 14 points. Beal had four 3-pointers for the Tigers.
Mountain Lakes 46, Villa Walsh 37
Krysta Rigby powered the Lakers with 15 points on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Jane Brennan contributed 10 for the Lakers, now 11-9.
Kiley Molnar totaled 14 points and had four rebounds for the Vikings.
Pequannock 49, Kearny 37
Carly Klimek scored 14 points to highlight the win for the Golden Panthers, who sealed the win on Monday, Feb. 22 with a 17-5 fourth quarter.
Emily Klepacki and Kristen Aikey combined for 15 points.
Jen McGrogan grabbed 17 rebounds for Pequannock (20-4).