(Clifton Park, NY)

 -Sometimes a headline game in sports doesn't live up to the pre-match hype, however, in the the case of the NYSPHSAA girls Class A Regional contest between Jamesville-DeWitt and Averill Park that was anything but the case.

-The two teams met for the 6th consecutive season in this tournament and for the sixth consecutive time Jamesville-DeWitt came out on top. This time the Red Rams won 65-60 in overtime.

-The start of the game was anything but classic. Both teams looked nervous early on and there were more turnovers than shot attempts through almost the whole first quarter. A Gabby Stickle banked in three pointer from the Jamesville-DeWitt star, right before the first quarter buzzer, tied the game at 7-7 heading to the 2nd frame.

-The Red Rams then used a 2nd quarter push to take an eight point lead, 23-15, midway through the quarter but Averill Park cut the defict to four points, 25-21, at the half.

-After the break both teams started to find their groove on offense as the combined for 42 points in the third quarter. An Averill Park bucket by Michelina Lombardi cut the Warriors deficit to 2 points, with just over two minutes left in the period, but Jamesville-DeWitt scored the last six points of the quarter giving them a 48-40 lead heading into the fourth frame.

-The Red Rams extended their lead to thirteen points early in the 4th quarter, 53-40, and looked in control of this battle of Class A state powers. Averill Park's defense and a big effort from Kelsey Wood helped ignite a run that would hold the Red Rams scoreless for the last 6:37 of regulation to bring the Warriors withing 53-52 with 0:26 left in the game. The Warriors Amelia Wood made the second of two free throw attempts to tie the game at 53 and force overtime.

-In the extra session Jamesville-DeWitt took the lead from the start as Paige Keeler hit a three pointer and Sydney Baker made a basket. Averill Park once again clawed back and cut their deficit to one point, 61-60, after an Olivia Kelley hoop. Momo LaClair of the Red Rams then made two free throws to make the score 63-60. Averill Park had the ball with less than ten seconds left in the game was able to get off a shot attempt to tie the game but it didn't fall. Momo LaClair made two more free throws giving Jamesville-DeWitt their final margin of five points, 65-60.

-Momo LaClair finished with a game high 27 points. Her teammate Gabby Stickle added 17 points.

- Averill Park placed four players in double figure scoring led by Kelsey Wood with 17 points, Olivia Kelley 16 points, Michelina Lombardi 12 points, and Amelia Wood 10 points.

  Box Score with full play by play HERE:

Game flow chart:

By Ed Bemiss

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