CENTRAL NEW YORK – Maybe something special is about to happen for the Jordan-Elbridge girls basketball team.
Once at 3-4 in December, the Eagles are now riding a nine-game win streak, none of them more dramatic than Thursday’s late comeback to defeat Port Byron 48-43.
This was the same Panthers squad that beat J-E 55-45 back on Dec. 12, and for a long while it appeared that the rematch would go in a similar direction.
Playing a solid first half on both ends, Port Byron worked its way to a 25-17 halftime lead, and maintained that margin throughout the third quarter, too.
However, the final period saw J-E show the Panthers just how much it had improved as it solved Port Byron’s defense with a series of clutch baskets to zoom out in front.
Then Ava Hildebrant and Abbie Ahern hit free throws to seal it, Hildebrant working her total to 20 points to go with eight rebounds and four steals.
Ahern put up a fine all-around effort that included 10 points, 14 rebounds, six steals, five assists and three blocks. Erin LaVancha had 11 points and nine rebounds, with Riley Crawford also getting nine rebounds.
A week, and a second opportunity, allowed Bishop Ludden to again challenge Liverpool, who had risen to no. 9 in the latest state Class AA rankings.
And unlike their first meeting Jan. 16, last Tuesday’s rematch was a competitive affair most of the way, save for a third quarter where the Warriors asserted control, eventually beating the Gaelic Knights 74-62.
They played at a quick pace from the outset, and Ludden, trailing 17-11 after one period, made up ground in the second quarter, only trailing 33-31 at the break.
Yet Liverpool overwhelmed Ludden during a 27-11 third-period push, mostly limiting Amarah Streiff’s shots as she had 24 points, but 11 of them were free throws.
Bridget Dunham got 12 points, with Ava Carpenter adding 11 points. For Liverpool, Naveah Wingate and Kaylyn Sweeney had 18 points apiece and A’briyah Cunningham (16 points) was close behind.
West Genesee found itself at Baldiwnsville last Monday in an emotional game for the Bees, who prevailed 60-36 to atone for an earlier defeat to the Wildcats.
But the game began with the two sides together in a circle at the center of the Baker High School gymnasium, putting their arms around each other.
For 19 seconds, they remained that way, bowing their heads. It matched the number 19 that Ava Wood wore as a member of B’ville’s junior varsity soccer team. Ava, a freshman at Baker High School, was found dead in her home on the morning of Jan. 20.
Then the game started, and B’ville built a 30-12 lead by halftime. Mia Raymond and Madison Mayer led WG with seven points apiece as Kyrah Wilbur got 22 points to face the Bees.
