By The TimesLedger
The Our Lady of the Snows fifth-grade girls basketball team came from behind to defeat host Corpus Christi, 20-17, in the annual Corpus Christi post-season basketball tournament in Woodside.
The semi-final win puts OLS in the tournament final versus St. Joan of Arc of Jackson Heights. Snows defeated Most Precious Blood of Long Island City and St. Mary Winfield of Woodside to earn a spot in the semi-final against Corpus Christi.
The Woodside host team jumped out to an 8-0 lead before the OLS defense dug in. Jessica Wrynn and Nicole Weinman hit three free throws to bring OLS within 9-3 at the half. The second half was all Snows as they roared back to tie the game at 10 heading to the fourth quarter behind Michelle Gasperetti’s driving lay-up, Tina Khiani’s bank shot and a pair of free throws by Nicole Weinman.
The key to the defensive effort that limited Corpus to one third-quarter point was Nicole Weinman, who guarded the Woodside team’s top scorer. After switching defensive assignments, Weinman completely shut her down. Christine Wrynn and Kaitlin Frangella contributed aggressive and tenacious defense, stopping the ball and forcing several bad shots and jump balls. Tina Khiani and Adara Simonelli battled Corpus Christi off the boards at both ends of the court.
In the fourth quarter, Adara Simonelli stole a Corpus pass and drove to the hoop for a lay-up, as did Tina Khiani. Nicole Kaouris hit a key jump shot and free throw. Nicole Weinman’s free throw with about 20 seconds remaining gave Snows a 20-17 lead.
The OLS girls will look to win the tournament championship next Saturday night at 8 p.m. as they take on last season’s Diocesan finalist, St. Joan of Arc.
Sweeney girls fall to Holy Family
Last Sunday the OLS Intermediate (Sweeney) Team lost its first-round playoff game to Holy Family, 41-31. Snows was never in this game from the opening tip, trailing 7-1 after one and 20-4 at the half. Even though Snows was down throughout the game, the boys never gave up and showed tremendous hustle and spirit until the final buzzer.
The coaches would like thank Brian Amorese, Bobbin Chakyayil, Eric Miller, Richard Kim, David Marrero, Asthon Mills, Matthew Oellinger, John Ryan, Anthony Simmons, Peter Sweeney, and Brian White for all of there efforts this season. They would also like to thank all the parents for all their support throughout the season.
