by Steve Bradley
Rachel Pine led the number one seeded Lady Panthers to their first title in 24 years by defeating number two seeded Watervliet last Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College.
[private]After getting out to a 23 – 17 halftime lead, the Ladies were outscored by four in the third quarter to hold a slim two point lead at the end of three quarters. Then the Ladies opened up a nine point, 46 – 37 fourth quarter lead. This appeared to be enough to get the Panthers to the end for a win. But the Cannoneers had a couple of players who could hit the three-pointer, and they did. The Cannoneers came back with three-pointers to narrow the gap, but time expired before they could catch up.
With the win the girls became the Section II, Class B champions.
The Panthers did most of their damage over the course of the game in the paint, where they scored 24 of their points. The team shot 11 of 19 from the free throw stripe.
Rachel Pine scored 20 points. Megan Flynn added 10 points and 13 rebounds. Taylor Hayes and Chelsea Stevens each added five points. Kelly Pine had four points, but her contribution to the win came by gathering in 12 rebounds.
Rachel Pine was named the MVP for the Class B tournament. Megan Flynn was named to the All Tournament team.
The Ladies beat Ichabod Crane High School 55 – 35 in the semifinals Wednesday evening to reach the championship game.
The Ladies now advance to regional play. They will play Canton of Section X. The game will be at Hudson Valley Community College on Saturday, March 14. Game time is scheduled for 2:30 pm, and the HFCS boys game will follow. Come on down to HVCC Saturday to catch a local double header. Even if you don’t normally watch sports, bring your community spirit. Visit with your friends, join the cheers, listen to the Pep Band, cheer on the Panthers. Admission is $8 to see both games (not each game).
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