It wasn’t easy for either the Cazenovia or Chittenango girls basketball teams when their respective 2018-19 seasons got underway on the last two days of November.
The Lakers went first, hosting Solvay last Thursday night at Buckley Gym. And all it needed was a single scoring surge to get away from the Bearcats in a 34-19 victory.
Even with its difficulty producing baskets throughout the first half, Cazenovia led 12-7 at halftime. Then, in the third quarter, a string of field goals allowed the Lakers to use a 14-4 push that accounted for most of the winning margin.
Leading the way, Hannah Matteson had 12 points, with Katie Ammann getting 10 points. Laura Connor, Charley Harris and Carleigh Szalbach had four points apiece. Carly Devereaux led Solvay with eight points.
Chittenango was supposed to open at Altmar-Parish-Williamstown, but it twice got snowed out and moved to Jan. 23. Instead, the Bears would start at home Friday against Skaneateles, who had opened by beating Westhill two nights earlier.
This didn’t make Chittenango flinch, though, as Ally Shoemaker put together a triple-double and her team prevailed 63-45 over the Lakers.
A 17-7 opening surge put the Bears in front, and it spent the game’s middle stages withstanding a series of Skaneateles runs that were led by Olivia Dobrovosky, who poured in 23 points.
Still, Chittenango got away, outscoring the Lakers 23-12 in the fourth quarter as Shoemaker did it all, finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and six steals.
Cassidy Kelly had a team-high 15 points, plus five rebounds and three blocks. Mekenzie Dahlin matched Shoemaker’s total of 12 points while contributing four assists and three steals. Emily Moon had 11 points and eight rebounds as Alivia Narolis added six points.
There’s an immediate rematch between Skaneateles and Chittenango on Tuesday as Cazenovia visits Bishop Ludden Monday night.
