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1-31-2008 By ERIC AHLQVIST Editor Although bruised and battered, the Lady Redskins managed to hang on for a 65-56 Center State Conference win and continue their perfect season. "It was a physical, intense game," said Cooperstown head coach Mike Niles. "That's what sectional games will be like, so now we know what to expect. I didn't think the refs did a good job of controlling the game, though." The normally soft-spoken Niles received a technical foul early in the second half after point guard Katie Cring was knocked to the ground and no foul was called. He said he cancelled practice Tuesday as several players were nursing small injuries. "Our game plan was to pressure their guards and try to keep the ball away from (Samantha) Fox and (Jen) Wehner, but we just couldn't do it," said S-E coach Jeff Barry. Fox, Cooperstown's 6'3" center, finished with a gamehigh 23 points and added 13 rebounds as CCS, 17-0, moved closer to the Division II title of the Center State Conference. The Lady Redskins hold a twogame lead over S-E with three league games remaining, including next Monday when the Marauders will visit Cooperstown. Sherburne, 13-3, jumped out to a 7-2 first quarter lead, but Cooperstown scored the next six points, capped by a Jenny Potrikus baseline jumper, to take the lead. The score was tied at 12 after one quarter, but the Lady Redskins quickly took control in the second quarter, going on an 11-2 run to open the quarter, with most of the baskets coming inside from Fox and Wehner, who combined for 14 points in the period. Wehner finished with 14 points and 22 rebounds. CCS took a 13-point lead after three quarters, and stretched the lead to 17 at 55- 38 early in the fourth, before Sherburne used a new strategy of fouling and shooting 3- point shots over the final four minutes. That strategy almost worked, as the Marauders went on a 16-3 run, which included four three-point shots, to cut the lead to seven, 61-54, with just over a minute remaining. "I think we really got worn down between their full court press all game and the physical play," Niles said. "We're lucky they weren't closer when they started to make the run." Cring hit six free throws in the final quarter to seal the win for the Lady Redskins, who host Waterville Thursday night. Cring finished with 16 points, 12 coming in the second half. Monday's game against Sherburne will be the final regular season home game, and will also be Senior Night, at which the senior players and their parents will be recognized before the game. Cooperstown's final regular season game will be at Mt. Markham on Thursday, Feb. 7. |
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