Burke, Bucks best North Penn

With the help of sophomore Maddie Burke, the Central Bucks West High School team cruised past North Penn High School 53-40.

Burke finished 2017 with a game-high 24 points along with eight rebounds — also a game high.

“I felt pretty good and it’s always great to get the team win under our belt,” said Burke. “Our goal was to keep shooting and win the game.”

North Penn was hanging with the Bucks (3-1, 2-0 SOL Continental) as it had a 21-18 lead at halftime.

Central Bucks West head coach Terry Rakowsky had a strong message to his girls in the locker room during halftime.

“We talked about having the right kids taking the right shots in the right situations,” said Rakowsky. “We have a couple kids that can really score and we have to give them the ball.”

“We are a growth in progress,” added Rakowsky. “This may be only one game, but Maddie had a really good game but what I really liked about her was her rebounding. She usually plays from the

the outside but she dominated the inside today.”

For North Penn (4-4, 0-2), Bri Hewlett lead the team with 14 points while Jenny Hulmes lead the team with seven rebounds.

North Penn head coach Maggie deMarteleire was thrilled with the way her Knights performed on the road.

“Burke made a very high percentage of their shots especially from her threepoint range,” said deMarteleire. “Unfortunately for us we had shots going halfway down and popping out.”

“I was pleased with my kids effort,” said deMarteleire. “All we have to do is shoot better.”

The loss was the fourth straight for the Knights. They will start the 2018 portion of the season Jan. 2 at William Tennent High School at 7 p.m.

The Bucks compete in the Boo Williams Christmas Classic Tournament at Hampton, Virginia, first taking on Norcom High School Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.