With their eyes on the prize and the gold ball now within view of the teams still kicking in the Section 1 girls basketball tournament, we’ll have live coverage from the Westchester County Center and full stories of each of the upcoming semifinal games.
Check here for updated schedules and articles each day, and follow along on Instagram (StephenHaynes_TJN) for postgame video interviews.
Albertus Magnus tops Mamaroneck to reach Class AAA final again
WHITE PLAINS – This might’ve been the most that Albertus Magnus has been challenged by a local team this season. It was competitive, the opponent seemed to match their intensity, and matched up well with them physically.
In fact, there was a stretch during which this thought crossed: “Can they actually do this?”
“Mamaroneck deserves a lot of credit,” Falcons coach Pat Buckley said. “They played really well and made it difficult for us.”
But it’s a testament to just how good this team is that, despite being challenged, the result was a 13-point win.
Albertus Magnus proved again how hard it is to account for Julia Scott and Sara Nezaj, two dynamic scorers capable of turning games in a blink. Those two starred again, leading the Falcons to a 63-50 win over fourth-seeded Mamaroneck in the Section 1 Class AAA semifinals.
The two-time defending state champions had beaten their sectional opponents by an average margin of 35.5 points per game, including a thumping of Mamaroneck back in January, and have made it seem as if another coronation was mere formality.
But sometimes, the players said, it’s good to be reminded that they’re not invincible and that their success to this point can’t be taken for granted.
“Maddy (Zuppe) and I always go back to our freshman year when we didn’t win,” Scott said, referring to the Falcons being eliminated in the playoffs by White Plains. “We thought we should’ve won then, too. But it let us know that no matter how good a team is, no win is guaranteed in the playoffs. Every team wants a championship.”
What’s next
The Falcons are among the few remaining who’ll compete for one. They’ll face Ketcham at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 8 at the Westchester County Center. The teams will meet for the third time in a final since 2022, each having beaten the other once. Albertus Magnus swept their two regular-season meetings, including a 46-point blowout a month ago.
“Pat Mealy is a great coach and you can count on them being prepared and having a plan for us,” Buckley said, “but we’ll be working just as hard to prepare for them. We’re expecting a battle.”
Turning point
Mamaroneck took advantage of the Falcons’ slow start offensively and Soukey Tounkara’s 3-pointer had them up 7-2 with four minutes into the game. It didn’t take long for Albertus to settle in, though, and Keira Brescia’s second three in as many minutes gave them a 10-7 lead with 2:20 left in the first.
That lead was never lost, but the Tigers didn’t allow themselves to get lapped, responding each time it seemed Albertus was about to run away. Emi Resendiz hit four timely jumpers and Addie Dorfman, a center committed to Boston University, offered more resistance in the post than Scott is accustomed to facing in the section.
Nevertheless, the Clemson-bound forward scored 12 of her game-high 24 points in the third quarter, including a straightaway three that made it 45-26 with 3:39 left in the period.
Player of the game
Nezaj continued adding to a highlight reel that has drawn Division I college suitors to the 10th-grader, showing off her athleticism and coordination against an excellent defense. She had 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Even when given space on the perimeter, the shifty guard consistently zipped by defenders and finished contested attempts in the paint. She also utilized that speed in transition, turning routine rebounds into fast breaks and pressuring Mamaroneck throughout.
“We’re proud of her and she’s really talented, and the great thing is that she still has so much potential,” Buckley said. “She’s going to be even better down the road.”
Box score
Albertus Magnus (19-2) — Scott also had 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Zuppe scored eight of her nine points in the fourth quarter and had four assists four steals. Brescia scored six.
Mamaroneck (15-7) — Dorfman had 14 of her 17 points in the second half to go with 13 rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Resendiz added 12 points, six rebounds and three assists, Tounkara scored nine, and Sonya Prozes had seven points, seven rebounds rebounds and a block.
They said it
“We’ve been here before and it’s an amazing feeling,” Nezaj said, “but we know that we have to stay focused and work even harder.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Starting lineups
Mamaroneck: Sarah Sherman, Soukey Tounkara, Emi Resendiz, Sonya Prozes and Addie Dorfman.
Albertus Magnus: Maddy Zuppe, Sara Nezaj, Camila Nunez, Keira Brescia and Julia Scott.
Fourth quarter
Final: Albertus Magnus wins, 63-50, and advances to face No. 3 Ketcham in the final on Sunday.
Third quarter
End of the third: The Falcons take a 47-33 lead to the fourth quarter. But Mamaroneck did end the half with baskets from Dorfman and Rina Coen-Cagli in the last minute.
And, with an Albertus-like run, the Falcons have seemingly taken control. Scott’s straightaway three pushes the lead to 45-26 with 3:39 left in the third.
The Falcons extend their lead to 38-26 with 5:09 left in the quarter.
Second quarter
End of the second: Albertus takes a 31-22 lead to halftime. But, credit to Mamaroneck for keeping the score within reach. Resendiz hit a jumper and Dorfman and Tounkara each hit two free throws late in the quarter, helping the Tigers stay in it.
Nezaj has eight quick points in the second quarter, including a three that pushed the Falcons’ lead to 25-13 with 3:52 left.
First quarter
End of the first: Albertus takes a 14-9 lead to the second quarter. Brescia’s three gave them a 10-7 lead with 2:20 left in the quarter, then Scott and Nezaj added layups.
Albertus Magnus struggled offensively in the opening minutes and Mamaroneck took advantage, building a 7-2 lead after Tounkara’s three. But the Falcons have responded and Nezaj’s free throws tied it at 7 with three minutes left in the period.
Ketcham upsets Arlington to reach Class AAA final
WHITE PLAINS – Understanding the difficult circumstances the team faced, Ally Kaminski believed it was her responsibility to take charge.
This was weeks ago, actually, when Ketcham was reeling and a late-season swoon followed the loss of star center Ja’Kayla Cook. The girls basketball team lost not only an inside presence that none of them can approximate but, coach Pat Mealy said, it called for a drastic schematic change on both ends.
As important was the emotional impact and the group avoiding mental malaise, despite the losses piling up. Kaminski addressed the group, imploring them to not lose confidence and to believe this team would somehow compensate.
“No matter what,” she said, “we needed to have faith in ourselves that we’re going to do well.”
That’s a hard sell, even from a senior leader, while the team is losing six of its last seven games.
But as the Storm celebrated on the court at the Westchester County Center, earning what will be its most improbable appearance in a section final, Kaminski proved herself a superstar and somewhat of a soothsayer.
She scored a season-high 29 points, including the first nine for team, leading Ketcham to a 56-42 upset of rival Arlington in a Section 1 Class AAA semifinal.
“This one is up there,” Mealy said of this being among the most fulfilling victories of his career. “This group has been through so much this year, but they’ve stuck together and fought through the adversity to get here.”
What’s next
The third-seeded Storm, sectional runner-up last season, will face Albertus Magnus in the final on Sunday, 11 a.m. at the County Center. Ketcham has won two titles since 2022 but was beaten last winter by Albertus Magnus en route to its state championship.
“They’re an intimidating team with great players across the board,” Kaminski said of Albertus, “but we can’t afford to be scared.”
Turning point
Arlington surged down the stretch of the regular season, including a win last month over Ketcham during its swoon, usurping them for the No. 2 seed. But in this game, the Storm led from the outset, quickly building a nine-point lead in the first quarter and eventually pulling away in the third.
Their nine-day layoff before the sectional quarterfinals was a boon, Maia Schiavone said, the time allowing them to regroup and get comfortable in new sets as a perimeter-oriented offense.
“I usually hate having that much time off between our last regular-season game and the playoffs,” Mealy said, “but it worked out perfectly for us this time. It’s what we needed.”
What changed in the playoffs – beginning with a victory over Scarsdale – was the improvement of their defense on the wings, Kaminski’s excellence as a facilitator, and the development of their shooters.
Schiavone, who scored a game-high 18 points in their quarterfinal, made three first-half threes against Arlington. Alyssa Venditto and Raia Allen each hit two.
“Those shots came at important moments,” Schiavone said. “Credit to my teammates finding me open.”
Jayde Triunfo’s floater pulled the Admirals within 25-20 late in the second quarter, but Schiavone answered with a three to maintain Ketcham’s cushion. Arlington opened the fourth quarter with an 8-0 run and Ellia Bailey’s three-point play cut the lead to 45-38. But the Storm again responded with back-to-back threes from Venditto and Allen.
Player of the game
Kaminski was, of course, the X-factor for Ketcham. At 5-foot-10 with a smooth handle and pass-first instincts, she has served for them as a point-forward. But, understanding the underdog circumstances, she was aggressive and set a tone. She also finished with 14 rebounds, three assists and a block.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever coached an athlete who’s more dedicated to her team,” Mealy said. “She reads a situation and says, ‘This is what I need to be for us’ and does it. She doesn’t care about stats, just winning.”
She opened the scoring 12 seconds in and her three gave Ketcham a 7-0 lead, immediately putting Arlington on its heels. Kaminski pushed the lead to 43-30 with 11 seconds left in the third, contorting herself on a baseline drive to finish a spectacular hook shot through contact.
Box score
Ketcham (15-7) ― Schiavone scored 11 points and Venditto had eight points. Allen added six points.
Arlington (16-6) ― Bailey had 16 points and Triunfo scored 14, including three 3-pointers. Sophia Rescigno added five points.
They said it
“I’m so proud of these girls,” Kaminski said. “It’s a younger team and they’ve improved so much when we really needed it.”
“Not having her is a big loss, no question,” Schiavone said of Cook, “but the communication really helped. We were building each other up and telling ourselves that we can still do this.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Starting lineups
Ketcham: Raia Allen, Ally Kaminski, Maia Schiavone, Alyssa Venditto and Kiera Weatherwax.
Arlington: Ellia Bailey, Jayde Triunfo, Sophia Rescigno, Amira Richards and Jamie Gemmel.
Fourth quarter
Final: Ketcham upsets Arlington, 56-42, advancing to the Class AAA final against Albertus Magnus or Mamaroneck.
Ketcham ends a five-minute scoreless drought with Venditto’s corner three followed by Allen’s three, upping their lead to 51-38. Two minutes to go in the fourth.
Ellia Bailey’s three-point play pulls Arlington to within 45-38 with 4:45 remaining. Ketcham has gotten to the basket, but missed opportunities have them scoreless so far in the fourth.
Third quarter
End of the third: With a flurry to end the period, Ketcham built a 15-point lead. Kaminski converted a twisting baseline hook shot through contact and Alexa Feuer hit a floater just before the buzzer, sending them to the fourth with a 45-30 lead.
Triunfo’s three got Arlington within five, but Allen and Kaminski answered with threes and the Storm lead now 39-28 wit 1:04 left in the third.
Second quarter
End of the second: Ketcham, the unexpected underdog, leads Arlington 28-20 at halftime.
Arlington went on a run and Triunfo scored five straight to get them within 25-20, but Schiavone hits her third three of the half to get Ketcham’s lead back to eight. The Storm have possession with eight seconds left, coming out of a timeout.
Maia Schiavone extends Ketcham’s lead to 23-13 with 2:58 left in the quarter.
First quarter
Kaminski scored Ketcham’s first nine points, helping them race to a 14-5 lead. The 5-foot-11 point-forward is utilizing her length and quickness against a smaller Arlington front line. The teams met twice in the regular season and Arlington won the last meeting, jumping ahead of Ketcham in the standings as the Storm struggled down the stretch.
Blackman leads Hamilton over Briarcliff in Class B semifinal
WHITE PLAINS – There was an adjustment period and, Jaya Oliva admitted, it felt awkward because she wondered often about how she might be perceived.
“I was the one making it hard on myself because I kept worrying about what people would say about me,” she said on March 3. “But, in reality, they were happy to have me back.”
That was last fall, when the senior returned to Alexander Hamilton High School after having transferred a year earlier. But, the Elmsford native said, Kennedy Catholic wasn’t an ideal fit and she grew to miss her hometown school.
“Home is where the heart is,” Hamilton coach Henry Hennep said, “and sometimes it takes leaving to realize how much you love it. And we’re glad she’s back.”
Forget the prodigal son. This was the return of the prodigious guard.
Oliva was welcomed warmly by teammates, and the standout ensured the homecoming was worthwhile, leading this inexperienced group on an excellent run.
The Raiders are now within a victory of a long-awaited championship after Oliva and freshman Somaya Blackman led them to a 43-29 win over fourth-seeded Briarcliff in a Section 1 Class B girls basketball semifinal.
“I’m so proud of these girls and this means so much to me,” said Oliva, who headlines a roster comprised mostly of underclassmen. “Coming back and getting this far, it shows me that this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Hamilton has endured some recent playoff heartbreaks, falling in a section final two straight years then narrowly losing in the quarterfinals last winter. Now, a superb regular season earned them the No. 1 seed and a legitimate chance at their first section title since 2013.
“We’re proud of this because we’ve come a long way,” Hennep said. “I took over the program after COVID and, at the time, we weren’t very good and our (participation) was low. It’s a testament to these girls that we’re in this position now.”
What’s next
Hamilton faces defending champion Yonkers Montessori in the final on Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center. The rivals split two regular-season meetings.
“Elie (Moise) is a good friend, but we’re competitive people with great teams, both going after a championship,” Hennep said, referring to the YMA coach. “It’s going to be a battle.”
Turning point
The Raiders dominated Briarcliff in January, but this contest was far more competitive. The Bears managed to contain their explosive offense and kept the score within reach until late.
It was Hamilton’s defense that flourished, holding Briarcliff to a point in the second quarter and scoreless for a three-minute stretch in the fourth.
Oliva’s three gave the Raiders a 32-26 lead 34 seconds into the fourth, then Cassidy Williams splashed a straightaway three two minutes later. Oliva’s steal and fast-break layup punctuated their victory with 41 seconds remaining.
Briarcliff trailed 23-13 early in the third but rallied to keep alive the possibility of an upset. Julie Labick’s jumper pulled them within 29-26 to open the fourth, but they would draw no closer.
“They were tough and played hard,” Oliva said of Briarcliff. “We didn’t have our best game and it wasn’t pretty, but we found ways to win.”
Player of the game
Blackman set the tone early, anchoring the post and scoring the Raiders’ first nine points. The 6-foot-1 forward finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
The freshman has only played organized basketball for a year but has quickly progressed, Hennep said. Her length, athleticism, hustle and the ability to finish through contact help compensate for the lack of experience.
“She’s gotten so much better even during this season, since our first game,” Oliva said. “She’s got a really bright future.”
Box score
Hamilton (20-2) — Oliva added 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Seniyah Nichols scored six points and Kiara Surrell had five points, six rebounds and three steals for Hamilton. Williams scored eight points before suffering with an arm injury with two minutes remaining. The sophomore was hurt while diving for a loose ball.
Briarcliff (11-11) — Labick had 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Gemma Fante added 12 points, including two 3-pointers.
They said it
“That was sad to see and I hope she’ll be OK,” Blackman said of Williams. “Not having Cassidy would hurt, but we have a lot of amazing players and I know everybody would step up.”
“I’ve known a lot of these girls since we were little, so it feels like family,” Oliva said. “Us getting to do this together means the world.”
Live notes
Starting lineups
Briarcliff: Diya Sood, Siena Russell, Julie Labick, Briella Bennison and Gemma Fante
Alexander Hamilton: Gabrielle Harper, Jaya Oliva, Cassidy Williams, Kiara Surrell and Somaya Blackman
Fourth quarter
Final: Hamilton beats Briarcliff, 43-29, and advances to face Yonkers Montessori in the final on Sunday.
Briarcliff pulled within three in the opening seconds of the fourth, but Hamilton answered with 3-pointers from Oliva and Cassidy Williams. The Bears are still keeping it relatively close, but with 2:59 left, the Raiders have a 35-29 lead.
Third quarter
End of the third: Hamilton goes to the fourth with a 29-24 lead. But Briarcliff deserves credit for keeping this close and keeping open the possibility of an upset. Julie Labick’s free throws with 1:09 left pulled them within 27-22, then Jaya Oliva’s driving layup was answered by Fante’s 10-foot jumper with 16 seconds left in the quarter.
Second quarter
End of the first half: Hamilton created some separation, taking a 22-10 lead to halftime. Briarcliff went cold from the perimeter and had difficulty finishing inside against the Raiders’ height. They didn’t score until a free throw with six seconds left in the quarter.
First quarter
End of the first: Hamilton has a 13-9 lead, but Briarcliff has been competitive. They’ve gotten inside on drives and drawn fouls (and four free throws) and Gemma Fante opened the game with a three. But Somaya Blackman has done well in the paint on both ends with nine points, two blocks and a steal already.
Yonkers Montessori tops Blind Brook, rolling into Class B final
WHITE PLAINS – Elie Moise almost resembled a pastor in that moment, the coach dressed debonairly in a black suit and thanking the heavens for the fortuitous timing in which his congregation overcame its hardships.
Because it seemed that a spate of injuries, and persistent bouts of illness, might jeopardize what Yonkers Montessori believed could be a championship season. The once-dominant girls basketball team faltered a bit and felt star-crossed, going almost a month without its full complement of starters.
“Thank you, God!” Moise said of his players recuperating and regaining momentum just before the playoffs. “We expect a lot of ourselves, and we weren’t able to perform at the level we want to for a while. I’m so glad that it’s turning in our favor now.”
The Eagles put forth a “holy smokes” performance on March 3, cruising to a 63-37 win over third-seeded Blind Brook in a Section 1 Class B semifinal and giving themselves a chance to repeat as champions.
“It means a whole lot, for our team and the whole community,” junior Liliana Toro said, referring to the Eagles’ title last winter being their first since 1995. “There haven’t been a lot of great Yonkers teams, and then we ended up getting the No. 2 seed (this season). So, we’ve got a chip on our shoulder, and I think we have something to prove.”
What’s next
Yonkers Montessori faces top-seeded Alexander Hamilton in the final on Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center. The teams split two regular-season meetings but, the Eagles said, the loss came during a stretch when several of them had the flu.
“They’re a great team,” Emilee Doherty said, “but we’re better now than we were the last time we saw them. And there’s even more motivation because we’re defending the gold ball.”
Turning point
The Eagles made quick work of Blind Brook after taking control midway through the first quarter. Arsela Mustafaj’s three-pointer ignited a 9-0 run to close the period and YMA eventually built a 27-point lead in the third quarter.
Defense was an emphasis in the lead up to this game and, Toro said, her team had some practice sessions against boys to better prepare for the speed and physicality that Blind Brook could present.
Doherty scored 14 of her game-high 21 points in the second, helping send the Eagles to halftime up 38-16.
“Her consistency has been remarkable,” Moise said of the sophomore. “She was hurt for a little while, but when she came back, she picked right up. Emi does all the right things on and off the court to make sure she’s at her best.”
Arsela Mustafaj, who dealt with a bone bruise last month, hit two early threes and showcased her expanding offensive skillset, the center adding to her post game. Toro showed no ill effects of a bothersome ankle that hindered her in the regular season, the point guard using a quick first step to penetrate and create.
Player of the game
Doherty has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion, and she did her scoring early to help put the game out of reach.
“We ran our sets really well and my teammates were able to find me,” she said of the performance. “It’s just a credit to our preparation.”
Box score
Yonkers Montessori (19-3) ― Arsela Mustafaj scored 14 points and Toro and Anisa Mustafaj each added 10 points. Grace Gleeson scored six.
Blind Brook (14-8) ― Kendall Konigsberg had 14 points. Ella Rosenfeld added six points and Alexa Muoi and Avery Smith each scored four.
They said it
“We have a chance to do something special,” Doherty said of a potential repeat. “That doesn’t really happen in Yonkers. But we’ve got some momentum and a lot of confidence right now.”
“I don’t want to jinx it, but we want to win another (championship) so bad,” Moise said. “We want it for this city, and we want to show that being successful wasn’t a one-time thing for us.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Nyack tops Mahopac in Class AA to reach first final since 1990
WHITE PLAINS – Uh-huh. They heard those whispers and were aware of the criticism that carried throughout the winter. Some observers surmised that, as dominant as Nyack has been this season, its journey to this point might’ve been traveled along a primrose path.
Sure, the RedHawks had the most wins among Section 1 teams, but it was in part the product of a talented group feasting on a relatively mild schedule. That certainly can spell trouble when facing elite opponents in the playoffs. That’s how the warning sounded.
And that is what happened. Nyack was tested in the last two rounds and twice felt the pressure of trailing late in an elimination game.
“But they’ve responded,” coach Kervins Ferdilus said with a smile. “These girls proved that they’re resilient and can rise to a challenge.”
Rise from a deficit, too.
The RedHawks rallied from down nine points for an eventual 52-46 win over fourth-seeded Mahopac in a Class AA girls basketball semifinal, continuing their best season since 1990.
This group is building its legacy now for a program that hadn’t competed for a championship since MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice were topping the charts.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” junior Maya Corniel said. “Our chemistry is great and we’ve put in so much hard work to get here. It feels good to be rewarded like this.”
What’s next
Top-seeded Nyack, seeking its first section title, faces No. 2 Ossining on Saturday, 5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.
“It’s amazing how far we’ve come over the last few years,” said sophomore Rakiya Mohammed, whose team played in its first semifinal since 1999. “I almost can’t believe that we’re really here. But our goal wasn’t just to get here, so we have to stay locked in.”
Turning point
Mohammed scored 17 of her 22 points in the second half, including eight straight to pull Nyack within a point at the end of the third quarter. The 6-foot forward converted two successive three-point plays, contorting herself to finish through contact, and later turned a steal into a transition jumper.
Casey Cummings’ three 30 seconds into the fourth gave the RedHawks a 39-37 lead that wasn’t relinquished.
“When we were down, Casey told us to not think about anything else and just give it our all,” Corniel said of Cummings, a senior captain. “Then she comes through with a big shot to put us in front.”
Mahopac clung to small leads for most of the game but created some separation midway through the third. Fiona Kelleher’s three had them up 37-28 with 2:14 left in the period, and it seemed for a while the gritty underdog was in control.
What followed, though, was a five-minute scoreless drought during which Nyack surged and built a seven-point lead.
Corniel, Elise Aikens and Cummings keyed the perimeter defense, limiting drives and contesting shots, and Madelyn Peskie and Mohammed held up in the paint against Mahopac’s formidable forwards.
Player of the game
In addition to the clutch scoring, Mohammed had 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists.
“She has the size of a big and the skill of a guard, and it’s hard to defend,” Ferdilus said of the point-forward. “She’s too tall for most guards and too quick for most bigs.”
Box score
Nyack (21-1) — Corniel scored 15 points on five 3-pointers, the last of which gave them a 44-37 lead 5:28 remaining. Cummings added 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Mahopac (15-8) — Ashley Koch had 14 points, two steals and a block. Fiona Kelleher added 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals, and Giana Puckhaber had 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block.
They said it
“It’s a credit to the girls,” Ferdilus said of the breakthrough season. “They’ve been coming to workouts since seventh grade and they’re a close-knit group that’s always together. That chemistry is definitely a factor. Plus, we’ve got a few lacrosse players. That program is great and they’ve brought a winning culture to this team.”
“We’ve got so much confidence right now,” Corniel said. “We’ve made it this far and now our goal is right in front of us.”
Live notes
Mahopac starting lineup: Giana Puckhaber, Mady Ford, Ashley Koch, Fiona Kelleher and Niamh Kelleher
Nyack starting lineup: Casey Cummings, Maya Corniel, Maddy Peskie, Elise Aikens, Rakiya Mohammed
Fourth quarter
Final: Nyack holds on to win, 52-46, advancing to face Ossining in the section final on Saturday.
Two missed free throws allows Mahopac to get the ball back with 24.8 seconds left, still down four.
Mahopac still has life. Koch’s layup off an inbounds feed from Puckhaber gets them within 50-46 with 29.2 seconds left.
Cummings’ basket with 2:28 left put Nyack up 48-41. Mahopac hasn’t converted a field goal since late in the third quarter.
Nyack goes ahead, 37-39, on Cummings’ three to open the fourth quarter. The RedHawks extended to a 44-37 lead, holding Mahopac scoreless for more than five minutes before Kelleher hit a free throw with 5:09 remaining.
Third quarter
End of the third: Mahopac built a 37-28 lead, but Nyack closed the quarter on Mohammed’s individual 8-0 run with two three-point plays and a steal and transition jumper getting them within 37-36.
Puckhaber’s free throws put Mahopac up 30-23, but Corniel hit a three on the ensuing possession for Nyack. The Wolf Pac leads 30-26 with five minutes left in the third.
Second quarter
Halftime: Mahopac takes a 23-22 lead to intermission. Fiona Keller’s layup put them up 21-16, but Nyack pulled to within a point on Mohammed’s driving layup with 34 seconds to go.
Mahopac goes back in front, 18-16, on Karolina Klajbanova’s put-back with 5:17 left in the first half.
Nyack takes its first lead, 14-13, on Cummings’ free throws with 7:04 left in the period.
First quarter
End of the first: Mahopac heads to the second quarter with a 13-10 lead. Fiona Keller’s three put them up by six, but Corniel responded with her second three with 47 seconds left.
Nyack’s offense beginning to show some life. Peskie’s layup in the post was their first field goal with 3:26 left in the first, and Corniel hit a three to get them within 10-6 a minute later.
Mahopac jumps out to an 8-1 lead with 4:17 left in the quarter, pressuring in the back court, and they’ve blocked two shots inside.
Ossining defense shines, edging Rye to reach Class AA final
WHITE PLAINS – In all his years of coaching, Dan Ricci couldn’t remember an instance when his offense was stifled to this degree and still won.
Really, what are the odds of any large-school basketball team having only 16 points entering the fourth quarter of a playoff game and still ending up in a raucous celebration afterwards?
Ty’Asia Carver smiled at that, gleaming with pride.
“That’s right!” the senior said while nodding on March 2. “People think of us as just a high-scoring team, but Ossining has defense, too.”
It is, of course, the pace-pushing, scoreboard-laboring offense that has grabbed headlines for the Pride, but that defense carried them when it mattered most.
Carver led a group that forced five turnovers in the final two minutes, allowing Ossining to eke out a dramatic 33-29 win over defending champion Rye in the Section 1 Class AA semifinals.
This contest was in stark contrast to the teams’ two regular-season meetings last month, both of which Ossining won by averaging 71.5 points. The third-seeded Garnets dealt with a spate of injuries down the stretch, but with their starting lineup back for the postseason, they successfully slowed the Pride.
It was a mutual clamping, though.
“It feels amazing,” said Carver, whose team forced 23 turnovers altogether. “We’ve been working on our defense all season, building up and preparing for games like this. For it to come together like this, when we really needed it, that’s amazing.”
What’s next
Second-seeded Ossining, seeking its first championship since 2019 after a decade-long dynasty, will face Nyack in the final on Saturday, 5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.
“It’s been a while since we’ve won and we’d love to get another gold ball,” Ricci said, referring to the section title. “These kids deserve it.”
Turning point
Ossining was shut out in the third quarter and an eight-point swing sent the Garnets to the fourth with a 20-16 lead. But freshman Amaya Yancey resuscitated the Pride offense just enough with a mid-range jumper and a three to open the period.
“We needed a basket there to snap us out of it,” she said. “I was missing a lot earlier, but my team still had confidence in me.”
Rye regained the lead on Phoebe Greto’s three-point play, but Kinya Green’s 3-pointer tied it at 25 with 3:24 remaining. Claire Schnecker was fouled on a drive with 2:02 to go, and her free throws put the Pride ahead for good. From there, the defense took over.
Green and Carver hounded the ball-handler in the back court, prompting a timeout with 1:53 remaining. Then, they pressured the inbounds and doubled the receiver just behind the half-court line, forcing a 10-second violation.
The Garnets’ next possession resulted in a deflection and Schnecker diving to recover the loose ball. Later, an attempt to work the ball into the post was stopped as Ossining crowded the paint, then a kick-out pass was well defended as they quickly closed out, forcing a missed three as the shot clock expired with 35.9 seconds left.
“We trust each other, the communication is there, and we know we have each other’s backs so we can be aggressive,” said Carver, who also hit four put-away free throws in the final 31 seconds.
Player of the game
Carver had seven points, seven rebounds and five steals, and her tenacity set a tone for Ossining. She scored off the opening tip three seconds in and forced Rye’s first back court violation with 6:09 left in the first quarter.
“I can’t say enough about her,” Ricci said. “Ty’Asia makes people not want to bring the ball up.”
Box score
Ossining (17-6) ― Yancey scored 12 points and Schnecker had seven points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, four steals and three assists.
Rye (18-5) ― Greto had 14 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Stella Maresca added six points and two steals, Frankie Chiaravalle scored six, and Charlotte Storz had three points and three steals.
They said it
“We’re used to scoring a lot, but sometimes you have to think outside the box,” Yancey said. “When something isn’t working, you find other ways to win. We did that.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Live notes
Rye starting lineup: Annie Toulouse, Stella Maresca, Frankie Chiaravalle, Charlotte Storz and Phoebe Greto
Ossining starting lineup: Claire Schnecker, Sophia Torrieri, Ty’Asia Carver, Kinya Green and Lyla Strippoli
Fourth quarter
Final: Ossining wins 33-29, advancing to the final.
Ossining forces a shot clock violation with 36 seconds left and Carver is fouled to stop the clock. The senior sinks both free throws, upping the Pride lead to 29-25 with 31.5 seconds left.
The Pride forced a second 10-second backcourt violation in as many possessions and they’ve got the ball in a timeout with 1:33 left, leading 27-25.
Ossining goes up 27-25 with two minutes left. Schnecker got fouled on a drive and hit the go-ahead free throws. Rye has possession in a timeout with 1:53 remaining.
Greto’s three-point play gave Rye a 25-22 lead with 3:33 left, but Kinya Green answered with a 3-pointer nine seconds later, tying it at 25.
Chiaravalle’s mid-range jumper in transition ties it at 22 for Rye with 4:54 remaining.
Ossining retakes the lead in the opening two minutes of the fourth. Yancey hits a jumper and then a go-ahead three off a pass from Schnecker at 6:01. They’re up 21-20.
Third quarter
End of the third: Rye held Ossining scoreless through the quarter and pulled ahead for a 20-16 lead, going to the fourth. Storz and Chiaravalle hit back to back threes to give the Garnets an 18-16 lead, then Greto scored on a layup through contact with 45 seconds left in the period.
It’s scoreless through the first four minutes of the third quarter. Ossining still leads 16-12.
Second quarter
End of the first half: Quite a change from the teams’ two high-scoring meetings in the regular season. Ossining takes a 16-12 lead to halftime. Greto’s layup got Rye within 13-12 with 2:39 remaining, but Schnecker’s corner three gave Ossining the four-point lead 45 seconds later.
The Garnets led briefly, 6-4, late in the first quarter, but Ossining played from in front almost the entirety of the half. However, the lower-scoring game benefits Rye a bit. If they can keep it close, their inside-out post-centric offense will remain an option. Ossining thrives on pushing the pace, getting extra possessions and getting the point totals into the 60s and 70s.
Maresca’s three gets Rye within 13-10 and the Garnets force a shot clock violation with 3:13 left in the half, prompting an Ossining timeout.
Ossining takes a quick 13-7 lead. Schnecker drove and drew the defense in the paint before dishing to Lola Bailey for an easy layup, then Torrieri’s steal set up Yancey’s put back with 6:33 left in the quarter.
First quarter
Ossining goes to the second with a 9-7 lead on Amaya Yancey’s driving layup with 22 seconds left.
The teams are tied at 4 four minutes into the period, with both offenses looking shaky against each other’s pressure. Several turnovers early.
Class AA
Monday, March 2
No. 3 Rye vs. No. 2 Ossining, 3 p.m.
No. 4 Mahopac vs. No. 1 Nyack, 6:30 p.m.
Class C
Sunday, March 1
No. 2 North Salem 71, No. 3 Keio Academy 36
Class A
Saturday, Feb. 28
No. 2 Pelham 64, No. 3 Hen Hud 52
No. 1 Tappan Zee 75, No. 4 Pleasantville 38
Quarterfinals: Take a look back at our quarterfinals coverage to see how they got here
Live brackets: Track the progress of each team and class in the Section 1 tournament
North Salem dominates Keio to reach Class C final
WHITE PLAINS – Among the North Salem players, there is a pervading thought that this could’ve happened for them last season. That the team was good enough to have at least reached the section final, but bad luck and its bad timing cost them.
Noemi Torres was battling the flu that week and the Tigers learned hours before the game they’d be without their leading scorer. What followed was an upset in the semifinals, a crushing loss that lingered in their thoughts.
“That was really frustrating, especially because we really think we could’ve won,” the senior said on March 1. “Having to watch that happen, not being able to do anything about it, that hurt.”
It was almost as sickening to her as the illness itself.
But their young core has since improved considerably, tripling its win total from last winter. And having the full complement of players for this postseason run is, umm, nothing to sneeze at.
Torres shined alongside Maddy Horel as the Tigers dominated third-seeded Keio Academy, 71-36, in a Section 1 Class C semifinal at the Westchester County Center, earning what the team considers a bit of redemption.
“It was a really rough loss to take last year,” Horel said of them falling to Haldane, “but we were confident it would be different this time. So, coming back and making it to the final is big for us and we’re excited.”
What’s next
Second-seeded North Salem will face No. 1 Tuckahoe, the two-time defending section champs, in the final on Saturday, 11 a.m. at the County Center.
“It’s been a long road to this point, and we’re proud of that,” said coach Elvin Gutierrez, whose team lost twice in the regular season to Tuckahoe. “They’ve been in this position for a few years, and they’re a hurdle that we’ll have to overcome at some point.”
Turning point
The Tigers capitalized on a decisive height advantage, controlling the paint on both ends and dominating the offensive boards. As well, their perimeter pressure forced several turnovers, many of which were converted into transition points, as they raced to a 25-0 lead in the first quarter.
“That’s huge for us,” said Torres, a 5-foot-10 wing. “We have three tall girls and everyone else is fast. We get up and down the court and that works to our advantage.”
The Unicorns didn’t get on the board until their opening possession of the second. North Salem then finished that period with a seven-point flurry in the final minute. That sequence included Horel finishing a driving layup then getting a steal and dishing to Torres for a fast-break layup, followed by Torres stealing the ball herself and scoring, sending the Tigers to intermission with a 45-14 lead.
“That’s how we try to work,” Gutierrez said. “We want to play fast and downhill instead of being stagnant in the half court.”
Keio struggled to find openings inside, but Mao Izumi tried her best to compensate with seven threes and 33 points.
Player of the game
With her 6-foot frame and long arms, Horel effectively served as a rim protector and was featured by the Tigers in the low-post. Described by Gutierrez as a “one-girl wrecking crew in the paint,” the sophomore had 22 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
“I had a height advantage,” Horel said, “so every time I got the ball, I tried to go to work.”
Box score
Tuckahoe (12-9) — Kerri Nemeth added 16 points, three assists and two steals. Torres had 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Katherine Vassak and Emma Greenberg each added six points.
Keio (3-12) — Mirai Sakamoto had two points and two steals and Nodoka Aoshima had 12 rebounds.
They said it
“This (semifinal) gave the girls a chance to play in the County Center and get accustomed to this court, this setting,” Gutierrez said.
“It’s exciting,” Torres said of facing Tuckahoe in the final. “We’re gonna compete and I think we have a real chance.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Live notes
Final: North Salem wins, 71-36, and advances to face Tuckahoe in the final next Saturday. Keio’s Mao Izumi finished with 33 points and hit seven threes.
Third quarter: More of the same, as North Salem takes a 61-24 lead to the fourth. But, Izumi does have five 3-pointers.
Second quarter: Mao Izumi got hot from three and the mid-range, scoring 11 points in the second to spark some offense for Keio. But the Tigers still controlled the paint, and their forced turnovers were converted into fast-break buckets. The final seconds of the half featured Horel’s steal and feed to Torres for a transition layup, then Torres’ steal and fast-break layup, taking them to halftime with a 45-14 lead.
First quarter: North Salem dominated inside and with offensive rebounds as Keio is having difficulty dealing with Maddy Horel and Noemi Torres’ height on offense and defense. Kerri Nemeth’s long three sent the Tigers to the second quarter with a 25-0 lead.
Tappan Zee tops Pleasantville to reach Class A final
WHITE PLAINS – Adrianna D’Orio was confused by the eruption of cheers, and even more perplexed for a moment when she looked toward her bench and noticed her teammates were also applauding.
“It’s like I was there for it, but I wasn’t,” the senior said with a grin. “I had no idea what was going on.”
Pardon her, she was unconscious. So to speak.
D’Orio had just hit a straightaway three, which had become routine, and she was jogging back on defense when she noticed the commotion with 6:49 remaining. That reaction came from fans in the Westchester County Center who were keeping count and realized it was her 10th three-pointer of the game, setting a Tappan Zee girls basketball record.
“She’s a great shooter and a performance like this is incredible to watch,” coach Riley Chevrier said on Feb. 28, describing one of the best shooting showcases in Section 1 postseason history. “She’s out there having fun with her teammates, full of confidence and letting it fly.”
The record D’Orio broke already belonged to her and former teammate Kristen Phelan. And, when she initially tied the mark in January by drilling nine 3-pointers in a dramatic comeback win, Chevrier half-jokingly quipped that, although D’Orio had slumped earlier in the season, the last thing their upcoming opponents wanted to see was the sharpshooter on a heater.
Welp…
D’Orio scored 30 points and the Dutchmen defense dominated, leading them to a 75-38 win over fourth-seeded Pleasantville in a Section 1 Class A semifinal.
“This was a great team win,” D’Orio said. “It’s not just about me scoring because everyone was doing well. Our defense was good, we were pushing the pace, and there were so many assists.”
Tappan Zee looked like the Big Red & White Machine, a squad that hasn’t lost to a team in its classification this winter and nearly ran the table in the section.
“We’ve been here three years in a row and lost in the semifinals,” Chevrier said. “They were ready to change the story.”
What’s next
The Dutchmen, seeking their first championship since 2022, face No. 2 Pelham in the final on Friday, 5 p.m. at the County Center.
“It’s the work we’ve put in from the start,” junior Devin Cunney said of their success. “We do so much running and conditioning work. And, as much as we hate it, it pays off in these games.”
Turning point
With a quick release on a high-arching shot, and no hesitation, D’Orio hit four from beyond the arc in the first quarter. That, while the defense held the Pelicans scoreless for an 8 minute, 14-second stretch.
Pelham scored on the opening possession, but Tappan Zee answered immediately — with a D’Orio three 49 seconds in — and began building an insurmountable lead that swelled to 33-2 on Emma McHugh’s layup at the start of the second quarter.
Cunney, their 6-foot center, anchored a defense that made each shot seem like an attempt to thread a needle. Tappan Zee, with its typical pressure, hounded the ball handlers and contested shots outside. Drives to the lane didn’t produce much, either.
“I was able to sag back into the paint and be there for help,” said Cunney, whose length alongside McHugh made it difficult for Pleasantville to get clean looks. “Everyone was doing a good job, so I was able to just read the offense and be aggressive.”
Player of the game
D’Orio cackled when reminded about the oddity of her scoring line. “No free throws, no layups, just threes,” the guard said. “If I’m hot and I’ve got some space, I’m taking it.”
After all, shooters shoot. She did, of course, contribute to the perimeter defense and had three assists and two steals.
“I don’t even know what it’s like to get that hot offensively,” Cunney said. “When she puts them up, I go to crash (the boards). But in a game like this, I didn’t even need to.”
Box score
Tappan Zee (18-4) ― McHugh had 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Alyssa Sanchez added nine points and two steals, Cunney had eight points and 14 rebounds, and Eve Girardi had three points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and drew a charge during their first-quarter run.
Pleasantville (16-7) ― Aislin Harrison scored eight points and Maddie Becerra had seven points. Julie Karaqi, Emma Murray and Bonnie Garcia each scored six.
They said it
“We’re a little superstitious, so after picking a playoff outfit, we have to stick with it,” Chevrier said of wearing a football jersey to the game. “It’s got No. 55 because we run 55 sprints every day.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Live notes
Tappan Zee starting lineup: Eve Girardi, Emma McHugh, Alyssa Sanchez, Adrianna D’Orio and Devin Cunney.
Pleasantville starting lineup: Maddie Becerra, Julie Karaqi, Emma Murray, Aislin Harrison and Lexi Tomaselli.
Fourth quarter
Final: Tappan Zee beats Pleasantville, 75-38, advancing to the final against Pelham.
Third quarter
Another three from D’Orio has Tappan Zee up 52-19 with 3:31 left in the third.
Second quarter
End of the second: Tappan Zee takes a 46-15 lead to halftime. Pleasantville managed 13 points in the quarter, but they haven’t been able to slow the Dutchmen at all. Tappan Zee is forcing turnovers, thriving in transition, and not allowing Pleasantville any open looks.
D’Orio’s straightaway three extends Tappan Zee’s lead to 41-11 with 2:40 left in the first half.
First quarter
End of the first: The Dutchmen go to the second with a 28-2 lead, having held Pleasantville scoreless for 7:37.
Tappan Zee races to a commanding 24-2 lead. D’Orio’s three and Sanchez’s driving layup were their last two baskets. They’ve held Pleasantville scoreless since the Panthers got on the board first 23 seconds into the game.
McHugh spins in the lane and hits a short fall-away jumper, pushing Tappan Zee’s lead to 10-2 with 4:20 left in the period.
Pelham surges late to beat Hen Hud, reaching Class A final
WHITE PLAINS – Brooke Green was like a deer in the headlights. Just not in the traditional sense of that idiom.
The sophomore gave an impromptu speech before the game, encouraging her teammates to not feel overwhelmed by the Westchester County Center, but imploring them to understand the urgency this situation requires.
Then, under the literal bright lights of the arena, “Rambi” shined, scoring 15 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter as Pelham took control late for a 64-52 win over third-seeded Hen Hud in the Section 1 Class A semifinals.
“We know the feeling of losing here last year and I wanted to remind everyone that it should motivate us,” Green said, referring to their loss in the section final. “We want to know the feeling of holding a gold ball.”
The second-seeded Pelicans are a victory away from that now, of course, advancing to face No. 1 Tappan Zee in the final on Friday, 5 p.m. at the County Center.
“It means everything to the team, to the community,” coach Tim Pitrulle said of his team managing another run to the final, despite losing its leading scorer, Val Arakas, to a torn ACL. “It’s a testament to the girls. The winter season is long and grueling, and it’s never easy to make it this far.”
Green’s nickname, a melding of “Dennis Rodman” and “Bambi,” was given to Green because of her prolific rebounding and, well, the frequency with which she ends up on the floor. There were a few of those instances on Feb. 28, but most of them involved her wrestling for tie-ups or diving for loose balls.
She took over offensively down the stretch while Arden Keough was on “demon time,” as the kids say. The senior anchored their wing defense, forcing three turnovers during a 9-0 run in which Pelham erased a brief deficit and pulled away in the waning minutes.
“It’s crazy we’re in the same position because of the challenges we had to overcome,” said Keough, whom teammates call “Demon” because of her laser-like focus and frightening intensity. “A lot of people have stepped up, and continue to step up.”
Turning point
Hen Hud trailed from the outset but eventually overcame an early nine-point, twice taking the lead in the fourth quarter, but Green’s put-back gave the Pelicans the lead for good, 46-45, with 4:26 remaining. The next two defensive possessions resulted in steals from her and Keough.
Pelham scored 11 seconds into the game, went up 19-10 on Charlotte Gomprecht’s free throws in the second quarter, and didn’t trail until Maria Ribeiro’s transition three gave the Sailors a 36-35 lead with 2:24 left in the third.
Kate Stratton scored nine, including a layup that put them up 45-43 with 5:16 left. Ribeiro’s three with 2:24 remaining in the third gave the Sailors their first lead of the game at 36-35.
“They have good shooters,” Pitrulle said of Hen Hud, which hit six second-half threes. “They weren’t getting them to go early, but we knew that might change in the second half and we’d have to brace for it. They started making threes, but I have the ultimate confidence in this team. They didn’t panic when they fell behind.”
Player of the game
Green, who is known primarily for her defense, set an early tone with her offensive aggressiveness. A few times, she got the ball top the arc and scored on drives to the basket. That was in addition to her usual put-backs and Rodman-esque intangibles. She also had 16 rebounds, four steals, three assists and blocked a three-point attempt.
“She’s a matchup nightmare because she’s so athletic,” Pitrulle said of the 5-foot-11 forward. “She’s not a traditional back-to-the-basket big. We like to get her the ball on the perimeter sometimes and let her use her quickness… She’s a funny, playful kid. But she was so serious before this game and took on a leadership role.”
Box score
Pelham (18-4) — Keough added 10 points and four steals. Charlotte Gomprecht scored nine points, including a transition layup that gave Pelham a 52-45 lead with 3:06 remaining, and Emma Namba had five points.
Hen Hud (16-7) — Ribeiro scored 16 points and Stratton had nine. Elyse Smith and Carleigh Ortiz each added seven points.
They said it
“I’ve worked a lot on my game and I’ve wanted to have a bigger role in the offense,” Green said. :I thought this was the kind of game it was needed in. Colleen (Sheehy) was being face-guarded and I had to step up.”
“It feels amazing,” Keough said of advancing. “This was a great game, and it was really competitive, and it shows how hard it is to make a final.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
Live Notes
Hen Hud starting lineup: Elyse Smith, Kate Stratton, Carleigh Ortiz, Avery Motko and Maria Ribeiro
Pelham starting lineup: Emma Namba, Arden Keough, Colleen Sheehy, Carlotte Gomprecht and Brooke Green
Fourth quarter
Pelham wins: The Pelicans beat Hen Hud, 64-52, and advance to the section final for the second straight season.
With Hen Hud now fouling to stop the clock, Pelham is up 57-47 with 53 seconds left.
Pelham has extended to a 52-45 lead with 3:06 remaining. Green and Keogh took over in the last couple minutes, forcing turnovers.
Pelham goes back in front, 43-41, on consecutive baskets from Green. Her steal and fast-break layup put them back in front with 6:12 remaining.
Hen Hud retakes the lead, 41-39, on Avery Motko’s corner three off a drive and kick from Smith with 7:40 left.
Third quarter
End of the third: Hen Hud retook the lead on Gomprecht’s layup, but they go to the fourth protecting only a 39-38 lead.
Hen Hud takes its first lead, 36-35, on Ribeiro’s 3-pointer with 2:24 left in the third.
Ribeiro’s three in transition gets Hen Hud within 35-33 with 3:12 left in the third. It’s the closest the Sailors have been since going behind 2-0 in the first 11 seconds of the game.
Stratton’s layup and Smith’s jumper cut Pelham’s lead to 32-27 with 4:21 left in the quarter.
Second quarter
END OF THE SECOND: Smith got a steal and fed Ribeiro for a layup with three seconds left, getting Hen Hud within 28-20 going to halftime.
Green’s three-point play, fouled on a driving layup, makes it 26-18 with 1:03 to go. Gomprecht’s free throws pushed the lead to 10.
Motko’s three gets Hen Hud within 21-16 with 2:07 remaining, but Green’s put-back is an immediate answer for Pelham.
Ribeiro’s three gets Hen Hud within 17-10 with 5:42 left in the quarter. Angelina Carbone’s mid-range jumper gets them within 19-12, then a turnover prompts a Pelham timeout with 4:09 left in the half.
First quarter
END OF THE FIRST: Pelham has a 13-7 lead.
Ortiz’s corner three gets Hen Hud on the board with 2:40 left in the first. They trail Pelham 13-5 with a minute to go.
Pelham races to a 9-0 lead on Gomprecht’s 3-pointer with 4:05 left in the period. They’ve forced three turnovers and Green and Keough have gotten to the basket on drives.
Class B
Tuesday, March 3
No. 3 Blind Brook vs. No. 2 Yonkers Montessori, 3 p.m.
No. 4 Briarcliff vs. No. 1 Alexander Hamilton, 6:30 p.m.
Class AAA
Wednesday, March 4
No. 4 Mamaroneck vs. No. 1 Albertus Magnus
No. 3 Ketcham vs. No. 2 Arlington
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Albertus Magnus, Ketcham to face in girls basketball final, see updates
Reporting by Stephen Haynes, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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