With 30 seconds left in the game, George Cafasso of Trio GCA turned around and told his girls, “It’s not over until it’s over.” You would never believe his team was down by five points going into the last quarter.
It didn’t make a difference that Andie Karow scored 14 points or that Faye Zacharidis scored her six or even that Zoe Kourkoumelis scored another six — what mattered now was that Andie was about to take two foul shots that could make her the hero of the game. As the gym stood quiet, reality set in that Wood Designers could lose its first game of the year.
Even Faryn Kusher’s two-pointer couldn’t keep the streak alive. At the end, it was Andie’s foul shots that gave her team a 29-27 victory.
On two days’ rest, Wood Designers was ready for another fight against Pizza Chef’s feisty team. Pizza Chef got off to a rocky start. Hampered with an injury that may keep her out the whole season, Hallie Tenenbaum’s spirit has encouraged each and every one of her teammates. Her proud father, Zane, coaches with enthusiasm even though his daughter and another superstar, Jackie Saturn, are sidelined.
Still Julia Fusfeld always gives 100 percent. Nicole Davalos has been consistently sinking baskets week after week. Alana Laskin and Anna Lizzul are dedicated, playing even after starring in school plays. Even Alana Glaubiger could not stop Wood Designers. Stephanie Mejia led the pack and had a high score of nine points. The extra foul shot, once again, proved to be the deciding factor as the Shocks beat the Rockers, 17-16.
When the chips are down, Patrick J. Falci & Daughters Inc. pull together to pick up the slack. In the fourth quarter, Gina Loriggio was on a great pace to set her own record when she went for a rebound and fell down hard. That’s when Christina Trezza knew Keren Baruch and Charlotte Tuckner would have to step up to the plate.
And what a fight it was, with only four girls left on the team. Christina did all her scoring in the last half — a total of nine points. Trio GCA’s Elena Brandes, Donna Cafasso & Patricia Salvio stopped them cold. Michelle Mirabella & Lorie Grech’s baskets put icing on the cake and gave them a small cushion to win, 45-42.
Congratulations to Christina Agnello (Patrick J. Falci & Daughters Inc.), Zoi Marguiles (Wood Designers), Andie Karow (Trio GCA), Alana Glaubiger (Pizza Chef) and Zoe Kourkoumelis (Trio GCA), who all made it to the Elite 20+ Point Club.
