For more than a week, each of West Genesee’s basketball teams rested and practiced, all in advance of what promised to be an intriguing set of contests in 2012.
The girls Wildcats, who hit the midway point of the regular season at 7-2, hosted Corcoran last Friday night and, for the second time this winter, defeated the Cougars, this one a 34-31 decision.
Having prevailed 47-32 at Corcoran on Dec. 8, WG had confidence it could handle a rematch, and didn’t fret too much when the Cougars took an 11-9 lead through one period.
By halftime, the Wildcats had inched in front, 20-19, and its defense ruled the evening, only allowing six points in each of the last two periods to prevent any Corcoran rally.
Vicki Graveline, who finished with 14 points, and Melissa Fumano, who had 11 points, accounted for all but three of WG’s field goals. No Corcoran player scored in double figures, though Jasmine Davis came close with eight points.
Also resuming its season on Friday, the West Genesee boys team had to go to Corcoran, where it produced plenty of offense, but still fell to the Cougars 74-69.
The two sides went back and forth in the first half, WG falling behind 19-13 but catching up and tying it, 31-31, by the break. However, the Wildcats went cold in the third quarter and trailed again, 48-41, leading to a wild finish where both sides produced a lot, but Corcoran held on.
Phil Allen earned 11 of his 20 points at the free-throw line. Matt Naton hit a trio of 3-pointers and had a season-best total of 17 points, while Mike Henry had 10 points and Trevor Smith added nine points.
Corcoran got 20 points from Davon Griffin and 18 points from Henry Sullivan, supported by Chris Putnam (10 points) and Shakem Buckmon (nine points).
WG’s boys (5-4) must host defending Class AA champion Henninger Tuesday night, while the girls visit the Black Knights before a Thursday visit to Liverpool.
