Elba triumphs over JT for Section V Class DD title
Undefeated sectional champions isn't a bad label to have. That's what all the excitement was about Friday night in Letchworth as the Elba girls basketball team defeated Jasper-Troupsburg 47-37 in the Class DD final.
Freshman McKenzie Bezon, sophomore Meg Stucko and senior Cassie Engel were the offensive power in the game.
"This is everything that I could dream of," Engel said. "It was a great win and one that I will always remember."
The Lancers came out with the mentality to get it done and get the lead quickly as they took an early 13-2 jump with the support of 3-pointers by Engal and senior Missy Call.
In a desperate attempt to get back in the game, the Wildcats' were able to close the gap to 16-12, but it was all Elba from then on as the Wildcats (18-3) couldn't get a formula together to shut down the Lancers.
Heading into the final quarter of the game up 36-21, the Wildcats turned it up a notch in a last attempt to take the lead but managed only to close the gap to 42-34.
Bezon ended the game posting 14 points, while Stucko put up two 3-pointers to total six points. She had a big day under the basket as she pulled down 27 rebounds.
Brittany Hadley led Jasper-Troupsburg with nine points and Taylor Button and Meghan Wyant added eight points each.
"This was huge for the kids and we will take whatever we get from now on," says Head Coach Tom Nowak. "We'd like to win another one and get on to the regional game."
Nowak was named the Class DD Coach of the Year.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Reader Robin Walters was also at the game, and posted this report.
