Kelly the glue that keeps Haverford together

HAVERFORD — Erin Kelly provides a valuable, albeit underrated role on the Haverford High girls team.

In some ways, she is the glue that keeps the Fords together. A scrappy point guard who is known for her defensive prowess and sound decision-making at the point, in most games Kelly is the Fords’ captain on the court.

One of nine seniors honored before Thursday night’s 60-38 victory over Upper Darby, Kelly gave one of her textbook performances. She did plenty of the little things and did them very well.

Kelly, who will play basketball at Immaculata next season, collected four points, two rebounds, two assists and a game-high four steals.

“I’ve been doing that for a really long time. I guess it’s just what I’m known for as a basketball player,” Kelly said. “I try to give as much assistance as I can, scoring when I can, and getting defensive stops. Whatever I can do to help the team.”

Kelly is one of Haverford’s five senior starters, all of whom are at least two-year starters, who have provided the Fords with many wins over the years.

“We’ve been playing together since about the fourth grade when we were at Highland Park,” Kelly said. “It’s just been a really special bond and I think our bond has grown since then.”

Senior shooting guard Erin Doherty banked five 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 19 points and seven rebounds.. Senior power forwards Lindsey Lane and Sara Walsh controlled the paint. Lane finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Walsh chipped in with 11 points and eight boards. Annalena O’Reilly, Kelly’s backcourt mate, added two points, three assists and a steal.

“It’s great to know that, with the five of us, we have every piece of the puzzle,” Lane said. “I feel like when you have nine seniors that you’ve been playing with since fourth or fifth grade, it really shows that you have so much team chemistry. It’s great having everyone together because you keep those friendships all throughout elementary school, middle school and high school. It shows on the court.”

Kelly’s lone field goal came at the end of the third quarter to give Haverford a comfortable 14-point advantage.The Fords (15-5 overall, 10-3 Central League) led by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter.

“When Lindsey or Sara set a screen on my defender, I know where they are going to be when they roll,” Kelly said. “Or when Annalena goes back door, I know where to hit her with the pass so she can finish. We just have that connection.”

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