North, South girls hoops have early exits
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville South's Sarah Marcus battles underneath during the team's 65-37 Section VI Class A-1 prequarterfinal loss at Iroquois on Feb. 20. Also pictured is South's Katie Ostroot. South finished the season 10- 11. Photo by John Normile Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

Twelfth-seeded Williamsville North gave fifth-seeded Clarence all they could handle in the Section VI Class AA prequarterfinals on Feb. 20 but in the end, the Lady Red Devils proved too tough, winning 54-49.

The Lady Spartans cut Clarence's lead to 48-46 with 1:10 remaining but was called for traveling. Clarence, who was 10 of 13 from the free throw line in the fourth and 20 of 31 overall, hit their free throws down the stretch to close out the victory.

Coincidentally, North never went to the foul line once during the game.

"I had never seen that before in my life," said North coach Mike DelValle. "We fouled them but some fouls were missed on the other end but it didn't cost us the game. Late, it was kind of frustrating but they outplayed us. It was just odd how it happened."

North led, 11-9, after the first quarter but Clarence, thanks to seven free throws, led, 26-16 at halftime, and was ahead, 40-26, after the third quarter.

Williamsville North's Megan Klansky can't believe her team's season is over after losing 54-49 to Clarence in the Section VI Class AA prequarterfinals on Feb. 20. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

North hit nine three-pointers, five coming from game-high scorer eighth grader Corrin Genovese (19 points) and another three from senior Jill Piaggione (15 points).

Eighth grader Allie Ahern added eight points.

North finishes the season 6-15 but with only two players graduating (Piaggione and Kaitlyn Mc- Nally) and the return of Chantae Miller and Leslie Ahern from injury, the future looks bright.

"We made big strides," said Del- Valle. "Sometimes we looked inexperienced and other times we played beyond our years. They have nothing to be ashamed of. We came on strong, improved and never quit, which is the mark of a good team."

Williamsville South

The Lady Billies, seeded ninth, fell behind 15-2 against eight-seed Iroquois in the Section VI Class A-1 prequarterfinals and never recovered, losing 65-37 on Feb. 20.

South had beaten Iroquois, 54-50, on Feb. 15.

"They shot great and we shot horrible in the first quarter," said South coach Duke McGuire. "Their fourth option on offense (Rachel Sluberski) was hitting threes (two). There was no way anyone was going to stop them."

South played OK the rest of the game, trailing 27-12 at halftime and 46-29 after the third quarter.

South freshman Sarah Marcus, who scored 24 points in the team's second regular season meeting, was held to seven thanks to Iroquois' box-and-one defense.

South's other main offensive threat, senior Katie Ostroot, was held to six first half points and 11 rebounds.

Junior Cassiana Hyppolite led South with 10 points, including two threes and three steals.

Iroquois' Lindsay Henry paced all scorers with 23 points. Holly Beats added 12 points.

South finished 10-11 overall and 6-6 in ECIC Division II after starting 2-6.

Ostroot finished her high school career with 1,031 points.

"I'm really going to miss her," said McGuire. "She's just a great kid and a pleasure to coach."

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com