NORTH ANDOVER — Andover High had recent history and its streaks — five straight wins over Central Catholic, three straight Christmas Tournament titles, and 11 tourney wins in a row, dating back to December, 2008.
Central Catholic had a grudge and a whole lot of built-up frustration.
The Raiders made it work swimmingly for them, exorcising the recent Warrior demons in an impressive 54-35 Christmas Tourney semifinal victory before about 350 fans here at Crozier Fieldhouse.
"Feels good to finally beat them," said Central guard Courtney Walsh. "We needed that."
Central goes for its first Christmas Tournament title ever on Sunday night when the Raiders tangle with North Andover.
The Raiders punched their ticket the old-fashioned way,with a stifling defensive effort that kept Andover uncomfortable all night long.
"They're a great defensive team, and they forced us way out on offense," said Warriors coach Jim Tildsley, whose program saw its 42-game victory streak come to an end. "They've been together four years over there. And they know how to play defense."
Central junior Alex Nagri drew the pivotal assignment, denying everything from Andover standout Devon Caveney, with the other four Raiders overplaying in the half-court.
Andover just couldn't get into its offense.
"Alex was doing a great job face-guarding, and the rest of us just had to step it up," said the Eagle-Tribune Super Teamer Walsh.
Offensively, Central started slowly — perhaps with visions of the ghosts of Christmas tourneys past — but maintained a 9-5 lead through one quarter.
Walsh's 35-foot, buzzer-beating banker must have put the Raiders at ease.
"There were definitely some nerves early," said Walsh. "This is Andover. But once we made a few shots, we were a lot more relaxed."
Walsh paced the Raiders with 13 points, but was the Warriors know by now about the 5-foot-7 junior guard, she brings so much more to the hardwood.
"She's a special player," lauded Tildsley. "She really holds them together."
Junior Amanda Williams added 10 points for the Raiders, who stretched their lead to 24-16 at halftime and 39-27 after three quarters.
"North Andover is a very tough team, but our goal is to win this tournament," Walsh.
As for Andover, the Warriors go back to the drawing board in the third-place game with Salem, also on Sunday.
Jackie Alois and Devon Caveney each tossed in a dozen points with terrific blue-collar performances on both ends.
"A lot of these girls who were third and fourth options are now 1 and 2, and that makes it tough on us," said Tildsley. "But
we'll keep working hard it. And I know we are going to get better."
