BY HERB SMITH and ASHLEY TEATUM

Times-Shamrock Writers

ForestCity’s girls’ basketball team was defeated in the District II Class A championship on Saturday, 29-14.

“In the first half, I thought their defense gave us trouble,”Forest City coach Carl Urbas said. ‘I think we had a lot of better shots in the second half but we just didn’t convert them. When its only a nine-or 10 point game and both teams are struggling offensively, that’s big.”

ForestCityfell behind early as Old Forge paced them 3-1 in the first quarter and 12-3 in the second to hold a 15-4 lead at halftime.

After the break, Forest City came out to outscore the Blue Devils 4-3 in the third, but an 11-6 run by Old Forge in the fourth sealed the win.

ForestCitywas led by Carly Erdmann with 11 points while Katie Zembrzycki had two and Morgan Saul scored one.

The Lady Foresters played Hershey Christian on Tuesday night in a PIAA Class A play-in game. Results were not available at presstime.

On Thursday night in the Class A semifinals, Liz Heller worked hard to ensure she gaveForestCityextra opportunities to score in the Lady Foresters’ 47-20 victory over MMI Prep.

The senior collected 11 steals, including five within the first two minutes of the third quarter, as teammate Erdmann led all scorers with 26 points and 12 rebounds, seven offensive.

“I’m not big on shooting, but stealing and defense is definitely what I’m here for,” Heller said. “We just wanted to keep the tempo up and get the lead and keep it for the whole entire time.”

After a low-scoring first quarter,ForestCityturned up the intensity, extending its lead with a 10-0 run that included two free throws and a three-pointer from Erdmann.

ForestCityalso used a full-court press to hurry MMI’s passes and force turnovers, of which the Preppers committed 29.

MMI did not score a basket for nearly eight minutes. By that time,ForestCitywas in command.

“Every game you’ve got to go out there and play your hardest and give it 100 percent,” Erdmann said. “(Wednesday) at practice, coach said those rims are not going to be easy on you. (The shots) are going to be bouncing and rolling. Your shot has to be on.”

Cassandra Bendyk added six of her 10 points in the third quarter and Zembrzycki finished with seven points, including three of five from the foul line.