By Jeanne Sager
LIVINGSTON MANOR — November 30, 2001 – The Livingston Manor girls’ basketball team was able to keep its momentum going Wednesday night, which led to its first victory of the season.
The Manor Lady Wildcats jumped out to an early lead against Hancock’s Lady Wildcats in a non-league game at home, shutting out the visiting team for the entire first quarter.
Nicole Argent provided two three-pointers in the quarter to contribute to Livingston Manor’s early lead of 12-0.
Hancock’s defense responded in the second quarter, holding the Manor Wildcats to just nine more points while its offense added seven to the board.
But Livingston Manor’s sharpshooting and quick rebounding was evident in the second half when the girls, led by Argent, posted 21 more points in the third quarter. That doubled their scoring from the first half and ensured their victory over the Lady Wildcats from Section IV.
Hancock posted just four more points during the quarter, leaving the score at 42-11.
Led by Kym Wood, the Hancock Lady Wildcats came back strong for the last eight minutes of the game, adding 16 more points in that final quarter.
But Livingston Manor was able to retain its lead, adding eight points to finish out the game with a score of 50-27.
“They really outrebounded us,” said Hancock coach Henry Nyberg. “That’s something we have to work on.”
Nyberg credited Wood, who contributed 18 points – including one three-pointer – for leading Hancock, but added that Manor played better.
“They executed their plays and played well,” he said. “Not to knock the Orange County league, but if a team like that came up in our league, they’d be a team to be reckoned with.”
Livingston Manor coach Andy Taggart said Hancock played extremely tough.
“Luckily they missed a lot of shots,” Taggart said. “But I thought we played really good defense and Nikki Argent shot really well to bring us a lead in the first quarter.”
Argent led Livingston Manor with 19 points.
Jennifer Wright and Stephanie Babich each added eight points for the home team, followed by Jennifer Taggart and Bridget Ellison, who each posted seven.
Heather Rieman added four points for the Hancock Wildcats.