Dodger Girls Basketball Season Ends in Hackettstown

The ' basketball season came to an end on Monday night with a 47-36 loss to Hackettstown High School in the first round of the state tournament in Hackettstown.

So, too, ended the career of one of Madison's best basketball players, Nikki Caruso, who sank four three-pointers and a total 18 points to almost singlehandedly keep the Dodgers nipping at the Tigers' heels.

Dodgers head coach Stephen Finkelstein said Caruso finished her career with a total 924 points, making her, in his words, "one of the top scorers in Madison history, by far."

"She is one of the best players I've had the opportunity to coach," said Finkelstein. "She's just a great pure shooter."

Caruso also played her last game with seniors Mackenzie Ellis and Sam Cicconi, a trio who have long played together, often in multiple sports.

"I think I will miss just playing with the girls that I've played with for nine years," said Caruso, who will play softball for the University of Pittsburgh next year. "This game was one of my best games, and senior year was one of my best seasons."

Caruso hit two of her three-pointers at the beginning of the game, helping Madison to an early 8-2 lead.

Hackettstown coach Bob Toth knew that Caruso might pose a problem for his team on Monday, and he was expecting strong defensive play from Cicconi as well, but Cicconi sat out this game.

"One of the things that helped us tonight is that Cicconi wasn't playing," said Toth.

As for Caruso's play on Monday, Toth had nothing but praise. "Give her a lot of credit. She made the shots," he said.

After the first quarter, the Dodgers trailed throughout the game, often within striking distance. With 1:15 left in the fourth quarter, Ellis made a two-pointer that brought the Dodgers within three. Forced to foul to stop the clock, the Dodgers watched the Tigers go six-for-six from the line to ice the victory.

Junior Corey DeBiasse scored nine points for the Dodgers.