On the one hand, the West Genesee girls basketball team has grown accustomed to winning marks, including a 14-8 trek through the 2008-09 regular season.
But when the Wildcats fell to CBA in last year’s opening round of the Section III Class AA playoffs, it left a bad taste that only a strong run this winter will help erase.
Head coach Jeff Ross had to replace a senior class that included Alyssa Sutherland, who averaged 20 points per game and was the team’s unquestioned leader.
Still, some talent returns — and those veterans had a lot to do with WG coming from behind in Thurdsay night’s opener at Baldwinsville to beat the Bees 50-46.
All looked fine at the start, as the Wildcats seized a 12-5 edge in the first quarter. B’ville stabilized, though, and turned things around with its own third-quarter spurt as it outscored WG 15-5 in that frame.
Down 35-31 with one period left, the Wildcats used a three-pronged attack to hit all the key baskets and free throws down the stretch and go in front for good.
Carly DiCocco, with 13 points, led a well-balanced offense where Deanna Apps threw in 12 points and Emily Tripodi added eight points. B’ville featured Maggie Monnat, who led both sides with 16 points, and her sister, Claire Monnat, who had 10 points.
WG has its home opener Tuesday, against Nottingham, before a non-league game Thursday night at Cortland.
