By Lori Brown
LIBERTY — February 18, 2011 — Prior to Tuesday night’s non-league basketball game between the visiting Monticello Lady Panthers and the Liberty Lady Indians, the Liberty seniors were recognized for their career accomplishments on the court.
In addition, proceeds raised through raffles and drawings during the evening helped benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as the theme for the game was “Pink Out.”
Monticello prevailed, 42-38, in game where two communities came together to help support a good cause.
As was the case when the Lady Panthers and Lady Indians played earlier this season in Monticello, the contest was close and competitive.
Monticello (6-11) held a 32-31 lead at the end of the third quarter.
In the beginning of the fourth period, Liberty’s Victoria Baum was fouled while attempting a 3-point shot. She made two of her subsequent three free throws to give the Lady Indians a 33-32 advantage.
But the Lady Panthers immediately went on a five-point run to take back the lead.
With only 48 seconds remaining in the game, Liberty’s Paige LaPolt scored a basket to cut the Monticello lead to 40-37.
During the next 36.5 seconds, each team called many timeouts so their respective coaches could talk about strategies to win the game.
Shamira Moore made two of her three foul shots in the last seconds to give Monticello a 42-37 lead.
LaPolt made a free throw with 2.5 seconds to go, but Monticello recorded the four-point victory.
Yadira Montes and Yami Reyes both scored in double digits to lead the Lady Panthers’ offense. Montes had 14 points, while Reyes netted 11 points.
Montes also recorded five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Teammate Shamira Moore recorded nine steals and three rebounds.
“The last game we only beat them by three [points], both teams were really good,” Monticello Coach Karen Atack said. “What made the difference tonight was the press and traps. We had really nice steals.
“They all did good,” Atack said of her players. “Playing the press is tiring. Arianna DaCosta worked hard on defense, as well as Taneka Snowden. This was a nice senior game as it was a close game.”
Liberty finished the season with an overall record of 3-14.
LaPolt led the Lady Indians’ offense by scoring with nine points. She also had nine rebounds.
“Paige [LaPolt] did a pretty good job,” Liberty Coach Beth Quatrale said. “It was a real good game. The girls were excited as they made pink shirts to wear for senior night. They were really into playing this game.”
“The seniors will be hard to replace,” Quatrale continued. “Every senior scored points tonight. Tonight was more than just a game. We wanted the win, but the seniors left with a smile on their face as they gave everything they had. They will remember friendships and this builds character. We have come a very long way [this season] and improved every day.”
The starters for Liberty included all five seniors: Sierra Boxberger, Megahn Burke, Paige LaPolt, Jasmine Pierre and Angie Ramos. Also recognized was team manager, Jesenia Ramirez. Each senior was given a flower and a gift bag to present to their loved ones.
The money raised through a drawing for an I-Pod and raffles totaled $350. The Liberty Central School Class of 2011 made a $117 donation, which made for a grand total of $467 to be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.