Sweet Home girls bow out in Class 'AA' quarterfinals

Lancaster could do no wrong in its Section VI Class 'AA' quarterfinal home victory over Sweet Home last Thursday.

The Lady Redskins, seeded third, outscored the sixth-seeded Lady Panthers, 17-5, in the second quarter en route to a 56-27 victory.

"It was just not our night," said Sweet Home coach Matt LaRoach. "Our shots just didn't fall for us. We struggled to rebound when we needed to and Lancaster came out on fire. From the start Lancaster shot red hot from the field. We knew that they would play man to man and shoot the ball well and that's exactly what they did. It's unfortunate because there were no surprises. They just seemed to have everything going in their favor once the game started."

Sweet Home was led by Kiaya Burks' 10 points and 12 rebounds.

"I also thought our guards Amanda Cannizzo (five points) and Gleniesha Ferby both played well," said LaRoach.

Lancaster was led by Barb Kiliszek's 18 points.

"Overall, this game was a tough one to swallow," LaRoach said. "We just struggled to get anything going in our favor. We struggled to rebound, close out on shooters, knock down shots, and get in any rhythm. I really feel that we are a better team than how we played and what the scoreboard reflected. This was not the way for us to end our season and I only hope our kids take this as a motivator for next season and for the offseason."

Sweet Home beat 11th-seed Kenmore West, 53-49, at home on Feb. 20 in the prequarterfinals. The Lady Panthers closed out the regular season with a 43-36 on Feb. 16.

The Ken West playoff game was tight throughout. The Lady Blue Devils led, 17-15, after the first quarter but Sweet Home came back to take a 27-24 halftime advantage and were up 41-37 after the third quarter. With under two minutes remaining in the game, Ellie Allen, who opened the game with a three-pointer which LaRoach said got his team going, hit two of two free throws along with Nadia Durno, to seal the win.

"This was such a great team effort," said LaRoach. "We scrapped and battled all four quarters. Our intensity was evident right away and that carried over in the second half."

"We really played a consistent basketball game," LaRoach added. "There was no let down.

Allen scored 23 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and passed out four assists.

"She really stepped up big for us," said LaRoach. "I thought she did a great job on both ends of the floor and was a great leader.

LaRoach said he also received great individual efforts from Burks (eight points), Coretta Davis (eight points), Durno (seven points), Cannizzo (four points), and Laura Nerber (two points).

"They all contributed in many ways," said LaRoach. "It has been a long time since we have hosted a sectional playoff game and this was a great win for our kids, our fans, and our program."

Ken West was led by Jenna Rickan's 23 points.

Sweet Home finishes the season 8-14. Burks, Maygan Voros, and Michelle Price are the only seniors on the team. Burks has been selected to participate in the Cheektowaga Lions Club Senior All Star Classic on Saturday, March 24.

"The future however is very bright for Sweet Home basketball as we will return nine of 12 players and three additional players who were called up during sectionals," said LaRoach. "I am very exited and encouraged for what the future holds for our team and program. The depth, experience, and retiring players should lead to success next season. The toughest aspect of the loss against Lancaster was knowing we are finished for 2006-07. I feel this let down more than ever right now and I cannot wait to get back into the gym to build on this year's progress and move forward towards next season."

"We experienced many highs and lows this season and in the end we held our heads high knowing our future is bright," LaRoach added. "We will continue to improve and get better this offseason through summer leagues, team camps, and workouts so that our success continues to grow next season. I am proud of our progress this season and I look forward to the future for our basketball program. Our hard work, commitment, and dedication will lead to more progress next year."