Sullivan County Democrat
O n l i n e  E d i t i o n
www.sc-democrat.com National Award-winning, Family-run Newspaper info@sc-democrat.com
  SPORTS ARCHIVES Established 1891 Callicoon, New York  
home  |  archives

Lori Brown | Democrat

While being guarded by Chester’s Cristie Hipsman (4), Fallsburg’s Jahlesea Davis (11) passes the ball to teammate Kelsey Moody, left, during the second quarter of Thursday night’s OCIAA Div. V game. In the background is Fallsburg’s Sheryl Pinder (22).

Fallsburg Lady Comets earn their first division victory

By Lori Brown
FALLSBURG — December 21, 2010 — The Fallsburg Lady Comets hosted the Chester Lady Hambletonians on Thursday night in an Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Division V basketball game.
On this frigid evening the Lady Comets heated up the court with their defense, which helped them earn a 48-33 win.
While the game was intense, it got off to a very slow start.
Chester (1-4, 0-2 Div. V) was awarded six foul shots in the first four minutes of play, but only recorded one point. Halfway through the first quarter, Chester’s Mardelle Jean made a shot to give her team a 3-0 lead.
With three minutes left in the period, Fallsburg’s Sheryl Pinder swished a 3-point shot to tie the score at 3-3.
In the last minute of play, both teams took more free throws. Fallsburg (3-1, 1-0 Div. V) had a 9-8 lead at the end of the quarter.
The Lady Comets took an extended lead during the second quarter as they scored basket after basket. Shaina Swerdling made a 3-pointer only 14 seconds into the period to start the momentum. Pinder landed a 3-pointer and a regular field goal and teammate Jasmine James made two baskets to help the Lady Comets take a 23-16 halftime advantage.
During the third period, Myana DaCosta-Patterson had some big steals to help Fallsburg limit the Lady Hambletonians to four points.
The Lady Comets scored 12 points during those eight minutes of action to advance their lead. Shanice Mack netted six points to help the Lady Comets take a 35-20 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Chester tried hard to overcome the 15-point deficit during the final quarter, but was unable to do so.
With only 3:43 left, Chester’s Ashley Georges was awarded a foul shot which turned into a technical foul because of a Fallsburg player’s negative actions. Chester’s Maggi Feldman made both free throws on the technical foul to cut her team’s deficit to 11 points.
But Fallsburg then went on a six-point run to ensure its victory.
“I am not overly happy with our effort,” Chester Coach Peter Rickard said. “We need to go back to the drawing board.
“Our leading scorer is out due to an injury,” he continued. “Fallsburg played well and they showed a quantum leap from last year. When Fallsburg put the pressure on, we panicked.”
The top scorer for Chester was Feldman, who finished the contest with nine points.
“We had a great game and moved the ball well,” Fallsburg Coach Daniel Redmond said. “Defensively, we are keeping teams very low in score. Everybody did something good for the team.
“Celia Garcia moved up to varsity this year and is a one of the weapons on the floor,” he added. “Sheryl Pinder moved the ball well.
“I am very excited with the win as last year we went 0-8 in the league,” Redmond continued. “This is our first league win in two years. We are working on plays and executing them.”
Pinder led Fallsburg with 16 points and six assists, while Mack had eight points and 13 rebounds.
In addition, DaCosta-Patterson and James each grabbed nine rebounds and DaCosta-Patterson made four steals.
“Overall we played a real good game and I am very proud of them,” Redmond said.
top of page  |  home  |  archives