ONONDAGA COUNTY – All that stood between the Baldwinsville girls basketball team and the place where it wanted to occupy in the Section III Class AA playoffs was Monday’s battle with Cicero-North Syracuse.

The long-anticipated rematch of the 52-51 early-January thriller that put the Northstars atop the SCAC Metro division was pushed back by a Feb. 4 weather postponement, only adding to the tension.

This meant the Bees would have to play twice and win them to keep pace with C-NS, and it took the first step last Tuesday by turning back Henninger 66-43.

It didn’t start out lopsided as B’ville, with an early lead, saw the Black Knights fight back and tie it, 30-30, by halftime, but adjustments were made and the Bees used a 21-6 push through the third quarter to take control for good.

Kyrah Wilbur had one of her best games of the season, pouring in 22 points as Ola Bednarczyk earned 16 points and Sydney Huhtala got 10 points. No Henninger player scored in double figures, Ta’Kai Baker leading that side with nine points.

Now came Friday’s rematch with Liverpool, whom the Bees beat in a tough battle 65-53 on Jan. 14 when head coach Kathy Morse reached 400 career wins.

This time around, it was a big third quarter that decided matters and helped B’ville gain a 73-55 victory over the Warirors.

A quick pace from the outset allowed both teams to find success on offense, with the Bees moving in front but unable to shake Liverpool, who only trailed 33-28 at halftime.

Then came the third, where B’ville’s defense made several big stops and, converting on the other end, put together a 19-9 push that again displayed the many facets of the Bees’ attack.

Huhtala led with 22 points, with Bednarczyk close behind as she got 17 points. Carlie Young also hit double figures with 11 points as Jayda Pyle had eight points. Wilbur and Margaret Solomon had six points apiece.