The longer it stays unbeaten, and the higher it climbs up the state rankings, the Hamilton girls basketball team will become more of a target for any opponent.
So it wasn’t a surprise that the Emerald Knights, lodged at no. 3 in the latest state Class D poll, would get a genuine scare in last Thursday night’s game at Rome Catholic.
In fact, Hamilton trailed going to the fourth quarter — but used its depth, balance and poise to take over down the stretch to beat the Red Wings 69-57.
Rome Catholic, who won the Section III Class D title just two seasons ago, showed that it could be dangerous once more by playing Hamilton on even terms for much of this night.
Every time the Emerald Knights would score, the Red Wings would answer. This continued through a first half where Hamilton clung to a one-point edge, 32-31, going into the break.
When the fourth quarter rolled around, the Emerald Knights trailed, 46-45, a rare situation in a season where so many of its games were long decided by this stage. With four minutes left, it was still tied, 54-54, and anyone could win.
Reaching deep inside, Hamilton attacked hard, shredding Rome Catholic’s defense for baskets from many different players and hitting free throws down the stretch as it outscored the Red Wings 15-3 in those last four minutes.
Kylie Martin led with 20 points, 10 of them from successful foul shots. Five of those free throws came in the fourth quarter. Jess Brawn had 15 points, most of them in the first half as foul trouble kept her on the bench for the entire third quarter.
Jordan Peterson also got into double figures, with 13 points. Sara Whyatt and Calyn Fisher each had eight points. In defeat, Rome Catholic had Rachel Knight earn 18 points and Mya Domenico earn 14 points.
Now at 13-0, the Emerald Knights would travel Saturday to New York Mills to look for 14 in a row.
