IMAGES: Clutch Free Throws, Defense Push Butler Past Indian Hills in N1G1 Girls Basketball Quarterfinals

Annabella Cole, who struggled for most of the afternoon at the free-throw line, sank a pair of clutch shots from the charity stripe in the waning moments of Butler’s 2026 NJSIAA Girls Basketball North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 Tournament quarterfinal game against Indian Hills to give the Bulldogs the lead, and a stingy Butler defense made sure the lead held as the Bulldogs topped the Braves 50-45 to advance in the N1G1 Tournament.

Alexa Sinopoli again led Butler in scoring with 18 points, while Erin Croker also scored in double-figures for the Bulldogs, adding 15 points.  Cole finished her afternoon with nine points.

Hot shooting from beyond the three-point arc kept Indian Hills in the game whenever it seemed like Butler was getting ready to pull away.  Julia DiMasi led the way for the Braves with 16 points, 12 of which came from downtown, and AnnaBelle Nelson was close behind with 15 points, all of which came from beyond the three-point line.

With the win, Butler will travel to face Pequannock for their North Jersey, Section 1, Group 1 semifinal game on Wednesday.