RallyNorth.net

Central Catholic freshman Emily Downer poured in a career-high 10 points as the Raiders took down Lawrence in both team's regular season closer 66-26.

Nicole Elbeery, who was averaging 9.6 points a game, erupted for a career high 27 but it wasn't enough as Central Catholic fell to Wachusett in the consolation round of the Tuscan Roundball Classic. She made the all-tourney team and Nicole Wiggins was Central's $1,000 scholarship winner.

Central Catholic qualified for the state tournament for the second year in a row, beating Haverhill 63-45. Nicole Elbeery led the way with 15 points for Central, while Haverhill got 18 points from Jordyn O'Boyle in the loss.

Jillian Webber, with ice in her veins, knocked down two clutch free throws near the end of the game to put Andover in front of Central Catholic for the eventual 47-46 victory. Webber finished with 10 points, and Alyssa Casey led all scorers with 20.

Led by 16 points from Maura Smith, Central Catholic used a fast start to beat Winnacunnet 59-45 in the consolation game in the Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic. The Raiders got scoring from 11 different players. They will play Pentucket in the fifth place game Firday at 4:30 p.m.

Central Catholic's girls opened their season with a 66-49 victory over Haverhill as four players hit for double figures led by Maura Smith's 12 points. Abbey Battaini led Haverhill with 17 points.

Nicole Elbeery scored 14 points with three 3-pointers and Maura Smith added 11 points as Central Catholic opened up with a 52-43 win over Lincoln-Sudbury in the MVC-DCL Challenge.