Varsity girls basketball making leaps, still unable to claim victory

by Eva Gucker

Pittsford played traditional non-league rival Reading and stayed close before dropping the game at the end, 60-33. The girls stayed close to Reading in the first quarter, cutting through their full-court press which gave them some scoring opportunities, but when turnovers came later in the second half the girls were unable to bring themselves back up for a win. Rebounding was a struggle through the night. Pittsford was unable to collect rebounds and protect the rebounds they got both on the offensive and defensive end. “We played hard, but they out-rebounded us,” said junior Alexis Cramer. With this some girls still had success on the boards with Marisa Hamilton leading with 10 rebounds, and Katelyn Kipfmiller and Brittney Houser following with 9. Pittsford showed that they have the ability to be a good team for moments of games against a good team. If the girls stay more consistent this will lead them to success in the future.

Although Pittsford ended with a loss, their next game against league rival Waldron was a dramatic turn for them, finishing a close hard-fought game on the wrong end of a 43-34 result. Pittsford knew coming into this game that they must play physically and mentally tough to do well against this opponent. The girls succeeded in this, doing much better possessing rebounds and fighting for the ball then they had earlier in the season. All four quarters, Pittsford stayed within a close distance from Waldron, only trailing by two scores under two minutes remaining. The end of the fourth quarter is when the girls let the margin increase by allowing Waldron easy lay-ups because Pittsford did not get back quick enough on defense. The statistical improvements made by Pittsford were astonishing, cutting their total turnovers by 50% and rebounding the ball very well. Progress was shown in ball control and turnovers throughout the night.