By Marc Raimondi
“They came up here nobodies, a 'B' team out of Queens,” Faya said. “Nobody really thought anything of them and they just played their hearts out.”American Studies lost to Briarcliff (Westchester), 61-49, Saturday in the state Federation Class B championship game at Glens Falls Civic Center. Junior Raquel Gutierrez, who scored a team-high 17 points, said the pain would subside soon enough.”Hopefully in a few hours,” she said. “I don't wanna feel like this too long.”American Studies (31-1) sure didn't see a team like Briarcliff (28-1) on its way to a first PSAL Class B city title. The Bears had three players in the starting lineup 5-feet-10 or taller. Two of them hurt the Eagles badly: Shelby Coon had 19 points and 13 rebounds and Maggie Blair had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Freshman Diani Mason had 15 points and 11 rebounds and junior Crystal James had 13 points and 13 rebounds. The good news is that only one starter from the Eagles' magical run will graduate in June – forward Yessenia Mejia. The future, much like the present, is bright.”That's what I'm going to look forward to in the next hour when I stop feeling bad,” Gutierrez said. “I'll remember the good stuff. I'll remember the wins. We got here for a reason.”She and her teammates gave their tiny school in Long Island City a name.Reach Associate Sports Editor Marc Raimondi by e-mail at mraimondi@timesledger.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 130.
