York Girls Basketball Triumphs Over Poland in Class B South Tournament Opener
In a thrilling matchup on February 13, York High School’s girls basketball team secured a victory over Poland in the Class B South quarterfinals. The game, held at The Expo, culminated in a 58-51 win for the third-seeded Wildcats, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
York Girls Basketball Triumphs Over Poland
Despite a challenging game, the Wildcats demonstrated impressive composure. Senior guard Piper Catanese noted that basketball is often defined by runs. Poland, the sixth seed, made a spirited comeback, narrowing the score to 51-51 with just 40 seconds remaining. However, York’s free-throw accuracy in the final moments proved decisive.
High-Pressure Free Throws
Over the last 29 seconds, York excelled at the charity stripe, shooting 7-for-8. This crucial performance allowed them to regain the lead and secure victory. Catanese and fellow senior Nya Avery each contributed 16 points to the Wildcats’ total, demonstrating their scoring prowess.
Game Highlights
Key moments included:
- York led 43-30 entering the fourth quarter but faced a fierce Polish rally.
- Avery’s two blocks and Taylor’s late-game steal were instrumental in maintaining the lead.
- Fitzgerald gave York a crucial 53-51 edge with two free throws just before the final timeout.
Following a foul on Poland, Taylor increased the lead further with two successful free throws, demonstrating the effectiveness of the team’s training on free-throw shooting.
Looking Ahead
With this win, the York Wildcats improved their record to 13-6. They will next face the second-seeded Oceanside, who currently boasts an 18-1 record, in the Class B South semifinal on February 18 at The Expo. The Wildcats are preparing for what promises to be another intense contest.
Head coach Jess Stacy praised her senior players for their maturity during critical game moments. The Wildcats’ ability to regroup and work together was key to overcoming Poland’s late-game push.
As the Wildcats advance in the tournament, their free-throw success could prove to be a crucial element in future games. With a focus on teamwork and composure, the York girls basketball team looks forward to the challenges ahead.