In a thrilling overtime win, the Canton girls varsity basketball team beat Ogdensburg to win Section X, class B. The game was close throughout regulation and in overtime Canton came alive and was able to do what they do best, score in transition. The 55-48 victory was the team’s eighth straight Section X title.
The Bears found themselves down early in the first quarter while OFA was able to make some outside shots and wear off their pre-game jitters. By the half, Canton was settling in to their usual style of play and working hard to dominate on defense. The Golden Bears held the lead 26-18 at the mid-point. This was relieving because the bears were not playing some of their best ball yet this contest. Going into the second half, Canton hoped to continue to settle in on offense and get to the rim as they struggled to get going in the first. The Bears also hoped to be strong in the second half and deny the Blue Devils any access to the hoop.
Despite the well intended game plan, the Golden Bears were looking frazzled on offense and slow on defense. The Devils out-scored Canton by a basket in the third and eventually tied the game in the final minutes. Canton’s fourth quarter was ugly, they only scored three points on foul shots and otherwise could not find a rhythm of play. Offensive turnovers and lack of defensive rebounding led the Bears to give up the lead and head into overtime.
Overtime was a different story for Canton. Starting with the jump ball, Gretchen Warner had a beautiful tip into the hands of Katie Chisholm who was on a break to the basket and easily scored a wide open lay-up to put the bears up by two early into the four minute overtime. Chisholm scored on the fast break twice more in the extra time to put the Bears at ease and give confidence on both ends of the floor. The overtime play for Canton was a true representation of how the Bears can, and like to, play the game. Strong rebounding, fast outlets, and pushing the ball down the court the Bears were simply faster and more energized in the final minutes. Their incredible athleticism and conditioning allowed Canton to outlast OFA to win a sectional title.
Chisholm led the Bears with an impressive 20 points, followed by Emily Wentworth with 11 points. Sarah Sieminksi and Lexi Huiatt each scored eight points for the Bears. This win puts the Bears at the overall number one seed for the overall section title. On Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. the Bears will face St. Lawrence Central in the first round of the bragging rights tournament for overall champs. The winner of this contest will play the winner of Hammond vs. Malone on Friday to be crowned overall section X champions. These games will again be held at Maxcy hall in Potsdam. Go Bears!
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