For much of the last two weeks, Baldwinsville has seen its girls soccer team feted for its state Class AA championship in every conceivable manner, from media appearances to a float in the village’s Parade of Lights.
However, head coach Kathy Morse, along with several players from that championship team, have gone right back to work, too, starting up girls basketball with an intention to, at the very least, make a push for Section III honors later this winter.
Things started well with B’ville prevailing at its own Bill Middleton Tip-Off Tournament, which began last Friday with the Bees handling Geneva (Section V) 61-35 in the opening round.
Already with a solid lead, B’ville pulled away from Geneva by outscoring them 20-5 in the second quarter, defensive pressure turning into baskets on the other end.
A 51-18 lead through three quarters allowed the starters to rest. By then, Jenna Costello had put up 16 points, adding five assists as Claire McAllister got 10 points and seven rebounds. Alena Criss had nine points and eight rebounds, with Jordan Roy also getting nine points as Katie Pascale managed seven points and five assists.
Oswego defeated Weedsport 62-46 in the other opening-round game, leading to a final between the Buccaneers and B’ville that would require overtime before the Bees pulled it out 52-48.
With a strong second quarter, Oswego seized a 25-21 halftime advantage. All through the third and fourth periods, the Bees kept the Bucs from pulling clear, and then edged out in front during the four-minute OT session.
Criss pulled off a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Pascale got 13 points and four rebounds. Meaghan Wilson had 12 points as Costello had seven points, five steals and five assists.
Now B’ville would get a full week of practice in before the season resumes next Tuesday against Utica Proctor, followed by a Dec. 10 game against Troy (Section II).
