Butler - 49 New Castle - 35

Butler Shines on Senior Night
In front of a sell-out crowd on Senior Night, the Lady Tornado defeated the New Castle Lady Hurricanes 49-35. Senior Adria Matonak led the Tornado girls in scoring with 16 points. Kim Nowakowski had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Senior Caitlyn Connelly had 6 points as did her sister Maura Connelly. Adria, Maura, and Holly Geibel each had 5 assists. Butler, 14 and 8 (9 and 3 in section), will play their final home game Monday night against Vincentian in a rematch from the opening game of the season when Butler lost to the Royals 62-60.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Royal Straight Flush
Monday night when the deck was cut and the cards were dealt, the queens of the Butler hardwood came out like a roulette wheel and rolled over the Vincentian Lady Royals 50-41. Maura Connelly and Adria Matonak each had 6 points with Connelly having 7 assists. Holly Geibel had 5 assists. But the ace up the Tornado's sleeve on this night was Kim Nowakowski. And with 3's and 2's being wild, Nowa drew a new career-high with 32 points. She also had 16 rebounds. Butler finishes the regular season with a record of 15 and 8. The Lady Tornado, with the highest of possible stakes on the table, will roll the dice as they visit Aliquippa High School next Monday at 8:00 pm to challenge Uniontown. With the chips being down in this opening round WPIAL playoff game, the girls will need all of the support possible from the Butler faithful.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


We Are So Proud
What else can we say but, "WOW!" Not one, not two, not three, but four overtimes. Despite losing the game 59-54 in 4 OTs to the Lady Bridgers, the Butler Lady Tornado won our hearts with their gutsy, never give up desire to be the best. And that they are. Led by Kim Nowakowski with 24 points and 16 rebounds, Butler proved themselves to Ambridge and the entire WPIAL. Caitlyn Connelly had 10 points and Adria Matonak scored 9. Butler, 13 and 8 (8 and 3 in section), aim to clinch second place in Section 3 Friday night against New Castle. It will be Senior Night where we honor Caitlyn Connelly and Adria Matonak at their very last Section 3 contest before graduation. The game is at 6:00 pm and will be aired live on BTTV channel 50. Be there!!!

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

7-Game Win Streak Ends; Ambridge is Next
Playing on what seemed to be a stage floor of an auditorium, the Lady Tornado was beaten by the North Catholic Lady Trojans 48-42. Butler was led by Kim Nowakowski with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly had 12 points including 4 treys. And Adria Matonak had 10 points. Although losing this game wasn't a good thing, Butler now has something bigger in mind (with all due respect to North Catholic). Monday night Butler, 13 and 7 (8 and 2 in section), travels to Ambridge to clash with the Lady Bridgers for the Section 3 championship. Ambridge will have a ton of fans in attendance; hopefully Butler will have the same. The game begins at 7:30 pm.

Nowa Knows...Basketball
Playing a day game in high school basketball can be strange and different. But the Lady Tornado take it all in stride. With Kim Nowakowski leading the way, and sick, Butler defeated Schenley 56-48. Nowakowski achieved a new career-high with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly had 12 points, all from 4 treys. Maura Connelly had 8 points and Adria Matonak scored 7. Also, Holly Geibel had 5 assists. Butler, 13 and 6, will travel to North Catholic Friday night at 8:00 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Tornado Tames the Tigers
Can you say "playoffs?" That's where the Butler Lady Tornado will be heading at the conclusion of the regular season due to their very impressive victory over North Allegheny 68-58. Butler was led by Adria Matonak with a game-high 20 points. Kim Nowakowski registered a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly scored 15 points, including 3 treys. Maura Connelly had 10 points and 6 assists. Danielle Koehring grabbed 6 boards as Caitlyn and Holly Geibel each had 5 rebounds. But before Butler, 12 and 6 (8 and 2 in section), can think about the postseason, they will travel to Schenley Wednesday at 3:00 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Tornado Block Party Rocks the Raiders

For anyone who didn't think the Lady Tornado was for real, wake up and watch some basketball. Butler woman-handled Seneca Valley 46-25 in an all out demolition. The Blue 'n Gold had a total of 10 blocks as well as holding SV to an abysmal 21% shooting from the field. The Tornado led 13-1 after the first quarter, 24-8 at the half. Seneca never even got close. Kim Nowakowski led with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly scored 12 including 4 treys. Adria Matonak had 9 points and 7 boards. Holly Geibel also had 5 rebounds. (Remember, this game was at Seneca.) Butler, 11 and 6 (7 and 2 in section), will host North Allegheny next Monday at 7:30 pm. We're looking for a packed house Monday so arrive early. Be there!

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

Tornado Struggles Past Titans
The point is being proven yet again: Never play a basketball game when there is no school. Despite winning the game 51-42, Butler had a tough time with Shaler. It seemed to be more the Lady Tornado's sluggish play than anything else. Butler never trailed but was out-rebounded 36-34 by a Shaler team that looked to be out-hustling the Blue 'n Gold. Butler was led by Kim Nowakowski with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly scored 14 points including 4 three-pointers. Danielle Koehring had 7 rebounds as Holly Geibel grabbed 5 boards. Adria Matonak had 9 assists for Butler. Butler, 10 and 6 (6 and 2 in section), will make the short drive to Harmony, PA, Thursday night to play the Seneca Valley Lady Raiders, who also go into the game with two section losses. The winner--one step closer to the playoffs; the loser--on the outside looking in.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Now Everyone Knows Her Name
Adria Matonak. How hard can it possibly be for an announcer to say her name correctly? Whether it's at North Hills, Upper St. Clair, or Tiawana Prep not one Bob Straney wanna-be can say it right. Well, it doesn't matter anymore because with her game/career-high 24 points in Butler's 61-51 victory over North Hills, Matonak has made her presence felt and her name known. Adria was able to pick up the ball and run with it for the Lady Tornado when scoring leader Kim Nowakowski got into early foul trouble. Matonak and Holly Geibel each had 7 rebounds. Senior Caitlyn Connelly nailed 4 treys and had 14 points for Butler. Geibel had 8 while Nowakowski finished with 7 points. Maura Connelly scored 5 and had 8 assists. Butler, 9 and 6 (5 and 2 in section), take their three-game winning streak into a home game against Shaler Monday night at 7:30 pm.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician
Undefeated No Longer

Entering the contest, the Greensburg Central Catholic Lady Centurions were 13 and 0. Undefeated. Then came the Tornado. Butler handed G.C.C. its first loss of the season, 52-47. The Centurions did cut a double-digit Tornado lead to one point, but that was as close as they would get. Kim Nowakowski led the Blue 'n Gold with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Adria Matonak scored 15 and Maura and Caitlyn Connelly combined for 16 points. Butler, 8 and 6 (4 and 2 in section), will travel to North Hills Friday night. Game time is set for 6:00 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Butler -57 Greensburg CC - 47

Nowa says so...Tornado Girls over New Castle...
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Nowakowski Storms Hurricanes
Normally when one player scores all the points, the team loses. Not this time. On the shoulders of Kim Nowakowski, the Lady Tornado defeated New Castle 51-46. Nowa scored a new career-high 27 points along with 10 rebounds to lead Butler. She also went 17-for-17 from the foul line! Adria Matonak scored 8 for Butler. Nowakowski is now only 3 points away from 200 for the season. Butler, 7 and 6 (4 and 2 in section), play host to undefeated Double-A power Greensburg Central Catholic Monday night at 7:30 pm. This will be a great mid-season test for Butler.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Snow Day Blues
Butler basketball has never really performed well on snow days. This was no different. The Ambridge Lady Bridgers defeated the Lady Tornado 53-39 for a share of first-place in section 3. Ambridge was able to force 22 Tornado turnovers on the way to the victory. Butler was led by Kim Nowakowski with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Caitlyn Connelly scored 16 points. Adria Matonak grabbed 6 boards for Butler. Butler, 6 and 6 (3 and 2 in section), will travel to New Castle Thursday night at 7:30 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician
Golden Tornado Girls stay in hot pursuit of section crown...

4th Quarter Tornado
Going into the game against 10 and 1 Upper St. Clair, many people thought that Butler didn't have a chance. Think again. The Lady Tornado defeated USC 52-49. The victory was mostly due to Butler's tenacious defense and their fourth quarter heroics. The final period consisted of 20 Tornado points and great shooting: 5 for 5 from the field and 10 for 11 from the foul line. Butler was led by Kim Nowakowski with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Adria Matonak scored 12 points with 8 coming in the fourth quarter. And "birthday-girl" Caitlyn Connelly had 10 points. Butler, 6 and 5 (3 and 1 in section), will play host to Ambridge Monday night at 7:30.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

Tornado Girls Basketball on a bit of a recognition crusade..vs.USC...
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Butler Stomps Yellow Jackets
Dominaton. Sheer domination. The Lady Tornado cruised to a 64-38 victory over Freeport to advance to the Holiday Tournament championship game to be played on Saturday at 6 pm. The dominance began at the beginning with Butler opening up a 12-0 lead lasting until 3:20 remaining in the first quarter when Freeport got their first points. Leading the way was Kim Nowakowski with a career-high 24 points and 8 rebounds. Nowa was 12 for 14 from the foul line. Caitlyn Connelly had 12 points while Adria Matonak scored 10. Connelly and Kristen Wick each had 4 boards. Maura Connelly and Holly Geibel each had 4 assists. Butler, 5 and 4, will play Blackhawk for the tournament title.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Cougars Cage the Tornado
Despite cruising to an easy victory the night before, the Lady Tornado ran into a buzz-saw in 12 and 1 Blackhawk. Butler lost to the Lady Cougars 53-39. With the victory, Blackhawk captured the Butler Holiday Tournament championship. Butler was led by Adria Matonak with 13 points. Kim Nowakowski scored 7, all in the first quarter. Caitlyn and Maura Connelly also scored 7 apiece. Nowakowski also had 12 rebounds. Holly Geibel had 6 boards while Maura Connelly had 5. Butler, (5-5), will travel to undefeated Upper St. Clair Thursday, January 3. The game begins at 7:30 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

Turnovers, Foul-Shooting Cost Tornado
North Allegheny had 5 turnovers and 18 free throw attempts. Butler had 16 turnovers and only 8 foul shots. As a result, the North Allegheny Lady Tigers stole a 59-54 section victory from the Golden Tornado. In the closing seconds, Kim Nowakowski was whistled for a questionable traveling call and NA took possession. Caitlyn Connelly led in scoring with 19 points. Nowakowski had 12 points and Adria Matonak had 10. Nowa also had 7 rebounds while Danielle Koehring had 5 boards. And Maura Connelly had a very impressive 10 assists. Butler, 3 and 1 in section, is now in a 5-way tie for first place. The Lady Tornado will begin their Holiday Tournament Friday against Freeport at 6 pm. They will play either Blackhawk or Franklin on Saturday.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Butler vs Seneca: Another Classic
Butler isn't back because they never left. That's right folks. With a huge 51-47 victory over Seneca Valley, the Lady Tornado are once again tied for first place in Section 3. The night began slow for Butler having to claw to a 13-13 tie at the end of the first quarter. The Raiders then went on to jump out to a 24-16 advantage with Kim Nowakowski on the bench in foul trouble. The Tornado pulled to within three at the intermission, 24-21. But when the second half began, it was like Seneca had awoken a sleeping a sleeping bear in Kim Nowakowski. Nowa scored 17 of her game-high 19 points and 9 of her 10 rebounds in the second half. Butler then forced SV to play catch-up. But in the last few seconds a reversal in the possession arrow looked to be bad news for the Tornado. However, Nowakowski put in two clutch free throws to ice the game. In other scoring, Adria Matonak had 9; Danielle Koehring, 7; Holly Geibel and Caitlyn Connelly, 6; and Maura Connelly with 4. Holly, Caitlyn, and Maura each had 4 assists and Holly had 5 rebounds. Butler, 3 and 0 in section and 4 and 3 overall, plays this Friday night at North Allegheny. The tip is at 6:30 pm.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Two In a Row
Coming off of a home section win over North Hills, Butler had to step it up again, this time on the road. They did just that, and then some. The Lady Tornado moved to 2 and 0 in section 3 with a 57-35 victory over Shaler. Butler opened the game with a 14-0 advantage and led 22-6 at the end of the first quarter. Shaler never got close. Leading Butler in scoring was Kim Nowakowski with 14 points and 9 rebounds. The sisters Connelly, Caitlyn and Maura, each had 10 points. Maura also had a team high 6 assists. Adria Matonak scored 8, Holly Geibel had 4 assists, and sophomore Heather Spangler came off the bench scoring 6 with 3 steals. Butler, 3 and 3, plays Seneca Valley Monday night, 7:30 pm, at home "on the hill." This early season matchup between two excellent teams will factor heavily into who plays in late February and who stays home.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician
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Tornado Girls Open section play vs. North Hills...



Have a Holly, Connelly Christmas

The season of gift giving is upon us and Butler delivered a nicely wrapped section victory to all of Butler defeating North Hills 57-40. Leading the Lady Tornado, Caitlyn Connelly presented the Indians with 27 points, including 7 treys. Kim Nowakowski donated 10 points to the cause with Adria Matonak adding 6 points and 7 rebounds for the victors. The "Yule-Tide" spirit didn't end there for Butler with the unselfish Holly Geibel and Maura Connelly leading in assists. Geibel had 7 while Connelly had 6. Butler, 2 and 3, plays its next game as a part of a quad-header Friday at Shaler. Tip-off is at 6 pm.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

Tornado Crash Lands at Moon
Despite leading by four at halftime and only trailing by three at the end of the third quarter, the Lady Tornado fell short against the Moon Tigers 53-38. In that third quarter, Moon used a 9-2 run to take the 6-point lead. At the buzzer of the period, Adria Matonak nailed a half-court shot to cut the lead to 3. But Moon would go on to outscore Butler 15-3 in the fourth period. Matonak led the Tornado in scoring with 15 points and 4 assists. Maura Connelly scored 10 and Kim Nowakowski put in 8 for Butler. Nowa also grabbed 10 rebounds in the effort. Butler, 1 and 3, will open their section schedule Monday evening at home against North Hills.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician


Butler's Achilles Heel

Coming off of a 62-60 tough loss to AA power Vincentian, the Lady Tornado suffered their second loss of the season, 59-45, to last year's District 10 champion Erie McDowell. The Trojans were also the team that ended Butler's season last year in the PIAA second round playoffs. Leading in Butler scoring, Kim Nowakowski had 14 with six rebounds. Guard Adria Matonak scored 11 points and had three assists. Maura Connelly also added four assists. Holly Geibel and sophomore Danielle Koehring each had six points with Koehring grabbing five boards. Butler, 0 and 2, will play its next game Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Hampton.
Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

Tornado Sends Hampton to the Doghouse
Can you say "big game?" Even though Butler defeating the Hampton Talbots 52-42 wasn't a section victory, it was a victory. And now the girls look to be focused and on the right track. Hampton refused to quit, however. But the Lady Tornado were too much, hitting 7 out of 8 free throws in the final quarter to put the game away. Caitlyn Connelly, who had only scored three points in the Erie McDowell game, was back like a house of fire with 21 points (that's 7 treys)! Adria Matonak also put in a great showing with a double-double: 11 points and 10 rebounds. She also had 6 assists. Kim Nowakowski scored 10 and had 7 boards. Maura Connelly scored 7 with four rebounds and Holly Geibel had 6 boards. Butler, 1 and 2, will play again Friday at Moon Area.

Copyright © 2001 goldentornadosports.com & Chris Wagner BHS Statistician

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