Sweet Home almost upsets Jamestown

Sweet Home only had one girls basketball last week but made it pretty memorable.

The Lady Panthers had a three-point lead over ECIC Division I leader and top Western New York large school Jamestown with one minute to play at home last Thursday but came up short, 57-53.

"This was a game that truly was a up for the taking and we just couldn't put it away," said Sweet Home coach Matt LaRoach. " I am proud of our kids. They stepped up big and gave 110 percent for four quarters. As a team, we need to understand that this is the type of basketball that we are capable of playing and that we can not settle for anything less."

Ellie Allen pushed Sweet Home's lead to three with a minute to play. After that, Jamestown came down and scored to cut the lead to one. Sweet Home had a good look at the basket on its next possession but unfortunately, the shot didn't fall and they came down and scored to take a one-point lead. On the next possession, Jamestown was able to steal the inbounds and score. Sweet Home had to foul and they sealed the game going up by four.

Jamestown led, 17-10, after the first quarter, 34-28 at halftime and, 48-40, after the third.

Sweet Home took its first lead with about 1:10 left in regulation.

"Going into the fourth quarter, I said to the girls, 'where else would you rather be than right here, right now, in this position against Jamestown?" said LaRoach. "They responded extremely well. Unfortunately, our run was 1:10 seconds too early as Jamestown hung tough and made the plays to pull out their closest victory of the season."

Allen led all scorers with 21 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds and handed out six assists.

"She is really doing a nice job of playing consistent basketball for us and is doing it against tough competition," said LaRoach. "I am pleased with her progress so far."

LaRoach commends the efforts of his team's forwards.

"Kiaya Burks (12 points and 12 rebounds), Nadia Durno, Coretta Davis, and Maygan Voros all contributed to a strong defense effort inside," said LaRoach.

LaRoach was also pleased with his team's defense throughout the game.

"Our defense was pretty good as we packed the middle and took away a lot of their inside game," said LaRoach. "In practice this week, we prepared for Jamestown's motion offense and high-low game inside."

Jamestown was led by Nikki Frederickson's 15 points.

Sweet Home (5-9, 4-5) is back in action at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at West Seneca West.