New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Collision course
UConn’s Griffin looks to continue streak against ’Nova’s Siegrist
A trip to the New York state regional final was on the line and the crowd was cheering loud in the background.
Everyone’s eyes were on Aubrey Griffin and Maddy Siegrist.
Griffin, filling in at point guard for Ossining High School, dribbled the ball upcourt while Siegrist, Our Lady of Lourdes’ senior star, had her eyes fixed on the ball and seemed ready to pounce on defense. Instead of hanging out under the basket, like she had all game, Siegrist came all the way up to the top of the arc to defend Griffin.
After a few dribbles, Griffin made her move. She sprinted around the left side of the key with Siegrist glued to her back. She stopped suddenly, pivoted off her right foot and spun toward the basket. Siegrist was a second too late and missed the block, fouling Griffin.
Griffin completed the threepoint play.
The game concluded with the crowd cheering “MVP” chants for Griffin. She was named MVP of the 2018 Section 1 Class AA Final with 46 points and nine rebounds. Ossining defeated Lourdes 75-63.
“It was always physical playing with her,” Griffin said Tuesday recalling playing against the now-Villanova star senior Siegrist in high school. “You know, she’s a really good, great player. They however didn’t win but she’s very talented. “
Fast forward five years and Griffin has yet to lose to Siegrist when she’s on the court — even now at the collegiate level.
That streak is on the line Saturday when the No. 6-ranked UConn women’s basketball team travels to Pennsylvania to face No. 14 Villanova.
Griffin is a year removed from undergoing season-ending back surgery. Yet, the red