(Mechanicville)
Hoosick Falls claimed the Wasaren League Championship Game with a hard-fought 53-45 victory over Saratoga Catholic at Mechanicville High School.
After a tight first quarter Hoosick Falls led 13-12. The Panthers outscored the Saints by seven in the second quarter to take a 30-22 lead into the break.
Saratoga Catholic played well out of halftime as they opened the quarter on a 10-0 run to grab the lead, 32-30. Hoosick Falls fought back with their own 8-0 run and carried a 40-38 advantage into the final period. In the fourth quarter the Panthers maintained their lead and after a Saints three pointer by Ronan Rowe cut their deficit to 3, 48-45, with under a minute left, Hoosick Falls made five of six free throws to seal the victory.
Hoosick Falls (17-3, 11-2) used a balanced attack to take down the Saints, led by senior Carson Glover, who tallied 15 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore Ryan Sparks contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, while senior Richie Stifter controlled the paint with a double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Saratoga Catholic (18-2, 13-0) put up a strong fight behind the scoring efforts of Tyler Hicks, who poured in a game-high 20 points. Jasyn Thompson added 9 points.
With the win, Hoosick Falls avenged its loss last week to Saratoga Catholic (36-34) and captured the league title game. Both teams now set their sights on sectional play, where they will look to continue their successful seasons. Hoosick Falls will play in Class B and Saratoga Catholic in Class C.
Full game VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
