NYPost.com’s PSAL girls basketball beat writer Marc Raimondi breaks down Sunday’s Class B final between No. 1 Scholars Academy and No. 2 Bedford Academy, set for 11 a.m. at St. Francis College.
No. 1 Scholars Academy Seawolves
Head coach: Janet Kleiner
Record: 26-1
Player to watch: Becky Moers
No. 2 Bedford Academy Panthers
Head coach: Kendra Nelson
Record: 17-1
Player to watch: Brianna Perlmutter
Outlook: These two teams played each other not too long ago – back Feb. 5 at the PSAL ‘A’ Girls Basketball Showcase. That game was won by Scholars in a tight one, 51-47. It wouldn’t be a shock if this one went down to the wire, too.
Scholars is clearly the favorite. The Seawolves have lost just one game all season – their first and that was without 3-point gunner Becky Moers. The senior leader had a wild game in the semifinals, dropping 15 points and making two big baskets despite playing with shin splits and a heavy heart. Her aunt and cousins were in a bad car accident just hours before the game. A championship would be an incredible accomplishment for her and the second-year varsity program. Moers also helped lead the Seawolves girls volleyball team to a ‘B’ title.
Bedford has been in the mix for a crown just about every season in coach Kendra Nelson’s four-year tenure. The coach knows a little bit about championships, too. She won a city title at the Garden when she was playing at Robeson and went on to star at Seton Hall. Her Panthers are super athletic and long, led by 5-foot-11 wing Brianna Perlmutter. They need to use those attributes against Scholars. Bedford likes to press, but that wasn’t as effective in the semis at St. Francis due to the big court.
If the Panthers can make it a fast-paced, knock-down, drag-out fight, they certainly have an advantage. Scholars can run, but the Seawolves are much more adept in the halfcourt – especially against a faster, more athletic team. The coaching matchup will be interesting. Nelson will be going up against longtime former Springfield Gardens coach Janet Kleiner and assistant Clare Droesch, who starred at Christ the King and Boston College. There will be plenty of hoops knowledge to go around at St. Francis.
