Cazenovia’s girls basketball team entered 2017 with a 2-3 record. But the Lakers showed plenty of good form last Tuesday night at 6-3 Phoenix, breaking open a close game in the fourth quarter to beat the Firebirds 58-41.
The 12-day break since its Dec. 22 win over Altmar-Parish-Williamstown did little to diminish the quality of play from the Lakers, who steadily built a 38-27 halftime lead on Phoenix. Even a third-quarter slump did little to faze the Lakers, who outscored the Firebirds 15-2 in the final period.
Danielle Tedesco led the way, pouring in 18 points, while Lindsey Lawson stepped up and earned 15 points. Saige Ackermann regained her form with 10 points as Lucy Connor and Lucy Langan had seven points apiece. Samantha Doupe led Phoenix with 14 points.
Two days later, Cazenovia climbed over the .500 mark when it beat ITC/Fowler 55-37. Trailing early, the Lakers inched in front before halftime and then, with a 21-5 dash through the third quarter, proved, just as in the Phoenix game, that it could take over for a long stretch.
Continuing to lead the attack, Tedesco improved her total to 21 points. Ackermann increased her total, too, finishing with 15 points as Lawson joined them in double figures, earning 11 points, and Connor finished with six points.
Back on Thursday night, Chittenango, fresh off a victory in its own tournament, prevailed again, trailing Skaneateles until it played a near-perfect fourth quarter to subdue the Lakers 44-37.
Led by Olivia Dobrovosky (12 points), Ryley Pascal and Chloe Metz (eight points apiece), Skaneateles inched in front late in the first half and, by the end of the third period, enjoyed a 37-31 lead. The Lakers would not score again.
Pulling off a rare fourth-quarter shutout in a close contest, Chittenango gave its offense plenty of time to get back in front – which it did, without any single player standing out as all nine of them that saw action scored at least two points.
Ally Shoemaker finished with 12 points, seven steals and three rebounds, while Trisha Whaley had seven points and six rebounds. Sydney Bennett and Giuliana Farr each had six points, with Bennett matching Mckenzie Dahlin’s total of five rebounds and Cassidy Kelly adding three assists.
