Haldane’s Julia Rotando strips the ball from Pawling’s Mackenzie Meissner during a Section 1 Class C semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2017. Haldane defeated Pawling 64-37.

WHITE PLAINS – Most high school sports teams have warm-up attire with some kind of inspirational or motivational phrase emblazoned on them. The purple shirts worn by the Haldane girls basketball team have just one word in bold white font: “UNFINISHED.”

The last time Haldane stepped foot on the Westchester County Center floor, players watched as Pine Plains celebrated a win and the end of the Blue Devils’ season in the Class C state regional semifinals.

Haldane’s return to “Westchester’s Most Famous Arena” in the Section 1 Class C semifinals Tuesday yielded much different results.

PREVIEW: Girls basketball teams’ quest for Section 1 titles begin Thursday

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK: Local teams prep for the Section 1 basketball quarterfinals

ZACCHIO: Haldane earns respect, regardless of size

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK: Previewing the County Center girls basketball final four

The top-seeded Blue Devils dominated fourth-seeded Pawling, 64-37, to secure a date with Hamilton in the title match Saturday at noon. Haldane, winners of the last three gold balls, is not shy about acknowledging its long-term goals, but is not putting the cart before the horse.

“I’m not going to overlook this Hamilton game on Saturday. They’re going to come out physical, ready for us, hungry for us,” Blue Devils head coach Tyrone Searight said after the game. “But our main objective is to be at that (state) level.”

Haldane, like Hamilton, had a bye into the semifinal round. The Blue Devils had not played an official game since Feb. 8. Haldane picked up a handful of scrimmages during the break to stay sharp.

“We had scrimmages, and we always go hard at practice, so it wasn’t that different,” Haldane junior forward Allison Chiera said after the game. “The scrimmages can be a little slower, but in practice, all the running that we do just really factored in today.”

Player of the game: Allison Chiera, Haldane. The reigning Section 1 Class C tournament MVP was an overpowering force in the paint, scoring a game-high 22 points in the win.

Injury report: Haldane senior Missy Lisikatos went down with a left knee injury less than three minutes into the game and did not return. Lisikatos wears a thick protective brace on the same knee. Searight said the guard hyperextended her knee against Hen Hud on Feb. 7, and believes Lisikatos may have suffered the same injury again Tuesday.

Stat line: Haldane’s ability to protect the basketball paid huge dividends. The Blue Devils forced 12 turnovers in the first half, while turning over just three times themselves. That difference helped Haldane build a 14-point lead at the half.

Quotable: “You’ve seen us play Briarcliff. If we can play like that, then I think we can say that we’re actually gonna ride up to Albany this year,” Searight said.

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Mike Zacchio writes for the Journal News in Westchester County. Reach him via email at mzacchio@lohud.com and follow him on Twitter: @Zacchio_Lohud.

Haldane’s Hannah Monteleone shoots during a Section 1 Class C semifinal basketball game against Pawling at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2017. Haldane defeated Pawling 64-37.

Haldane defeated Pawling 64-37 in a Section 1 Class C semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2017.

Pawling’s Taylor Brenneman stretches for the loose ball as she battles Haldane’s Olivia McDermott during a Section 1 Class C semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2017. Haldane defeated Pawling 64-37.

Haldane’s Olivia McDermott and Pawling’s Taylor Brenneman battle for the loose ball during a Section 1 Class C semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center Feb. 28, 2017. Haldane defeated Pawling 64-37.

Bri Rozzi had 23 points, 13 assists and five rebounds to lead sixth-seeded Highland in a 61-54 upset of No. 3 Marlboro in a Section 9 Class B girls basketball quarterfinal on Tuesday night.

Emily Peterson added 13 points and Candace McCutcheon had 12 points and four rebounds for the Huskies (14-7).

Marlboro was the defending section and regional champion.

“It was a great win for this group and our program,” Highland coach Jim Malak said. “All season, we’ve prepped for this situation. We’ve played tough teams and scheduled difficult non-league games on the road. It came together down the stretch this season and we’ve shown the ability to play well and with confidence. It’s paying off now.”

The Huskies visit Fallsburg at 6 p.m. Thursday in the semifinals.

“It was upsetting for the team, but I told them to keep their heads up,” Marlboro coach Marion Casey said. “We didn’t play the way we had hoped to, but it’s not a reason for this team to hang their heads.”

Spackenkill 58, Ellenville 35 — Noelle Mancini scored 16 points to lead top-seeded Spackenkill over No. 8 Ellenville in the Section 9 Class B quarterfinals. Maya-K Johnson added 13 points, and Issy Herrera and Maddie McCall each had points. The Spartans (9-11) will host James I. O’Neill in a semifinal at 5:15 p.m. Thursday.

Franklin D. Roosevelt 55, Middletown 50 — Kelsea Demelis, Deliah Smith and Jaelen Daubon each scored 11 points to lead third-seeded Roosevelt over No. 6 Middletown in a Section 9 Class AA quarterfinal. The Presidents (11-8) visit Warwick in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Katie McCabe added seven points, seven rebounds and played “very well defensively,” Roosevelt coach Cliff Sauer said. Kristen Phillips had four points and nine rebounds. The Presidents shot 15 for 17 from the free throw line.

Boys basketball

Rhinebeck 77, Ellenville 61 — Jack Spencer had 26 points and eight rebounds to lead No. 3 Rhinebeck over sixth-seeded Ellenville in a Section 9 Class B quarterfinal. Rob Veith added 18 points and eight rebounds, Joe Boland had 13 points and eight assists for the Hawks (18-2). Aidan Hack scored 11 points and Zach Matthews had five points and 11 rebounds.

Rhinebeck led 25-12 after the first quarter and didn’t relinquish the lead. The Hawks host Rondout Valley at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Franklin D. Roosevelt 64, Monore-Woodbury 58 — Ethan Hart had 21 points and six assists to lead third-seeded Roosevelt over No. 6 Monore-Woodbury in a Section 9 Class AA quarterfinal. Ryan Diehl added 14 points and Kevin Henri scored 10 points for the Presidents (15-5). D’Andre Orr had seven rebounds and “played well on both sides coming off the bench,” Roosevelt coach Kevin Hart said.

“We were down seven points in the second quarter and we went on a run in the first three minutes of the third,” Hart said. “We came out with a lot of energy, played well defensively and that was the turning point.”

Roosevelt visits John S. Burke Catholic at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Basketball in Hoop

Basketball in Hoop

The matchup is set.

The girls basketball teams from Pine Plains and Millbrook High School will face off Friday at 5 p.m. at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh for the Section 9 Class C title. Both teams won their respective semifinal games on Wednesday.

Top-seeded Pine Plains defeated fourth-seeded Sullivan West, 60-32, at home. On the other side of the bracket, the No. 2 Blazers knocked off visiting third seed, Tri-Valley, 86-26.

Bombers coach Rich Starzyk anticipates a good game with Millbrook.

“We match up well with them, and we’re looking to play them the way we did the last couple times,” said Starzyk, whose team improved to 14-6. “Mentally we’re getting ready for this game and we’re looking for a good game out there.”

Likewise, coach Adam Peek insists the game will be competitive.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They beat us during the year,” Peek said. “But we hope to play a better game this time against them and let the chips fall where they do.”

Pine Plains reached the New York State Class C finals last year and were state semifinalists two years ago.

Ashley Starzyk led the Bombers against Sullivan West with 23 points. Teammate Cat Simmons added 11 points while Frances Snyder threw in eight.

The Bombers jumped out to an 18-2 lead after one and built a 36-11 edge by halftime.

“Defensively, the girls held them,” Starzyk added. “We managed to rebound better than we have in the past and for the most part, they moved the ball around and looked for the open shot.”

Erin Fox and Sam McKenna each scored 21 points to lead the Blazers (15-5) over Tri-Valley. Kate Daly added 15.

“The girls were ready to play,” Peek said. “We played well and shot the ball well.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Behind 23 points from Jessica Wilkinson, the second-seeded Red Hook High School girls basketball team defeated visiting No. 7 New Paltz, 72-45, in a Section 9 Class A quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The Raiders will host No. 3 Wallkill on Friday at 6 p.m. Wallkill defeated No. 6 Port Jervis, 42-21, to advance.

Alexa Franceschi added 14 points against New Paltz, while Chrissy Gildersleeve contributed 13.

Hailey Osborne led New Paltz with 27 points.

Millbrook 86, Tri-Valley 26 — Erin Fox and Sam McKenna each had 21 points to lead the second-seeded host Blazers over third-seeded Tri-Valley in a Section 9 Class C semifinal game. Kate Daly contributed 15 points.

The Blazers (15-5) will face top-seeded Pine Plains in the Class C final Friday at 5 p.m. at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Newburgh.

“It’s going to be a tough game. They beat us during the year,” Millbrook coach Adam Peek said. “But we hope to play a better game this time against them and let the chips fall where they do.”

Boys basketball

Tramell Reaves scored 17 points to lead No. 3 Poughkeepsie to a 59-51 win over visiting No. 6 Red Hook in a Section 9 Class A quarterfinal.

Niyal Goins added 13 points while Corey Simmons posted 12.

The Pioneers (12-7) host Wallkill in the semifinals at 6 p.m. Friday.

“We split with (Wallkill) during the regular season,” Poughkeepsie coach Jerome Elting said. “It’ll be interesting.”

Austin Cole scored 21 points to lead Red Hook. Hunter Cole recorded 10.

Millbrook 75, Webutuck 56 — Humberto Cabrera led the top-seeded Blazers with 20 points in their Section 9 Class C semifinal victory. Shane Sinon, Patrick Kyle and Jake Daly each added 13 apiece.

The Blazers (15-6) advance to Friday’s 7 p.m. final against third-seeded Tri-Valley at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

“We have a good group of kids who are really focused right now,” Millbrook coach Bill Kyle said. “They want to bring this thing home, so hopefully we have good things happen Friday night.”

Angus Edmundson led Webutuck (6-16) with 18 points.

Wallkill 54, New Paltz 53 — Axel Rodriguez scored 17 points for the host No. 2 Huguenots, while Jimmy Verney had 16, but seventh-seeded Wallkill ousted New Paltz in a Section 9 Class A quartertfinal.

“We just fell short,” said Huguenots coach Stu Robinson, whose team finished 15-4. “I’m proud of what they did this year, I just wish we had gone a little bit further.”

The Our Lady of Lourdes High School boys basketball team will play for a gold ball on Sunday, following a comeback, upset victory over the team that eliminated the Warriors a year ago.

Lourdes’ James Anozie (54) turns to the basket in the first half of the Section 1 Class A boys semifinal basketball game against Bryan Hills at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

Lourdes, the fifth seed in the Section 1 Class A playoffs, defeated top-seeded Byram Hills, 54-48, in the semifinals at the Westchester County Center on Wednesday.

The Warriors will take on No. 2 Tappan Zee in the final at 5 p.m. Sunday.

LAST GAME: Anozie’s dream comes true with quarterfinal win

LOURDES GIRLS: Siegrist leads Warriors into showdown with Ossining

Lourdes trailed, 45-40, midway through the fourth quarter, but held the Bobcats without a field goal in 10 attempts the rest of the way.

With his team trailing 48-47, Kevin Townes drained a 3-pointer to put Lourdes ahead with 2:09 left to play.

Following a series of defensive stops, including a James Anozie block on Matt Groll, Anozie converted with 39 seconds on the clock to extend Lourdes’ edge to 53-48, and the Warriors held on from there.

Anozie enjoyed a monster effort, registering a double-double and keeping Lourdes in the game through an uneven first half that ended with Byram Hills up 28-24.

Byram Hills had won 17 consecutive games.

“We’re a little shocked right now,” Byram Hills coach Ted Repa said. “We didn’t see this one coming.”

Lourdes reached the semifinals with another late victory over No. 4 Saunders, 58-57, in which Townes made a steal with 3.9 seconds remaining to secure the win.

Lourdes last won a sectional title in 2013.

The Bobcats had eliminated Lourdes in the semifinals last year, 47-39.

Journal News reporter Josh Thomson contributed to this report.

Lourdes’ Brady Hildebrand (0) drives on Byram Hill’s Matt Milone (1) during the first half of the Section 1 Class A boys semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

Lourdes’ James Anozie (54) pulls in a rebound in the first half of the Section 1 Class A boys semifinal basketball game against Bryan Hills at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

James Anozie, Lourdes Boys Basketball

Lourdes’ James Anozie pulls in a rebound in the first half of the Section 1 Class A semifinal against Bryan Hills at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday.

For as thrilling as that victory was on Wednesday night for the Our Lady of Lourdes High School boys basketball team, the challenge now is keeping everyone grounded, coach Jim Santoro said.

Lourdes stunned top-seeded Byram Hills, 54-48, in a Section 1 Class A semifinal. Byram Hills had eliminated the Warriors in the semifinals en route to winning the title last season.

But a portion of Santoro’s speech to the Warriors on Thursday was dedicated to issuing this reminder: “That wasn’t our goal.”

Lourdes, seeking its first section championship since 2013, will face Tappan Zee on Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center.

SEMIFINALS: Lourdes pulls upset to advance to sectional final

TOWNES FAMILY: Siblings spark Lourdes teams

James Anozie had 27 points and 18 rebounds Wednesday, and Kevin Townes hit a go-ahead three-pointer with two minutes left as fourth-seeded Lourdes erased a fourth-quarter deficit and pulled the upset against a powerhouse that had won 17 straight games.

The players — and their fans — were gleeful afterwards, sharing congratulations and celebratory photos on social media Wednesday night. This, clearly, was the highlight of their season thus far. But, Santoro said, they must now ensure the season doesn’t end with that moment having been their apex.

“It’s a tremendous feeling beating the No. 1 team in the state (in Class A), but our goal is to win a state title,” Santoro said, reiterating what his players have said openly since November was their mission. “We have to stay focused and we can’t be satisfied with just accomplishing this.”

CHARITY: Lourdes basketball went an extra few miles for holiday help

The Warriors (17-6) certainly can’t afford that. Because although they defeated the toughest team in their bracket on paper, standing in their way now of their first section title since 2013 is Tappan Zee … the second seed. So any let-up there could easily result in a let-down.

Tappan Zee eked out a 69-67 win in its semifinal against Albertus Magnus. But the Dutchmen, like Lourdes, feature a dominant 6-foot-5 center who poses a challenge to all opponents.

Kevin Lynch is long and nimble, and able to step outside and score from the mid-range. His skills, undoubtedly, will make him difficult for the Warriors to contain.

“He’s similar to James (Anozie) in that they’re both incredibly talented and effective big men,” Santoro said. “James is a little heavier and stronger, and more under-the-basket. Lynch is more agile and runs the floor well.”

And both teams have enough of a supporting cast to make the opponent hesitate in double teaming the center. Lourdes has a slew of perimeter shooters in Townes, Brady Hilderbrand, John Arceri and Aidan Hilderbrand. Tappan Zee, Santoro said, runs a number of diverse offensive sets and passes the ball well.

That battle in the post “will be epic,” Santoro said. It also will likely be key in determining which team captures the gold ball.

The teams didn’t meet in the regular season this year, but one can foresee a matchup in which Anozie and Lynch have difficulty guarding each other. Lynch will have an edge in quickness, and being able to attack from the elbow. Anozie, with his strength, could power his way in the low post. Keeping the big men out of foul trouble will be paramount.

“It’s so critical,” Santoro said. “If James isn’t on the floor, we’re gonna struggle. The same would hold true for Tappan Zee. It’ll depend on how the officials call the game … If they let them play a little, I think it benefits James.”

As it did in the days leading up to the Byram Hills contest, Lourdes is spending its afternoons in practice, followed by comprehensive film sessions in the evening.

“We’re already back in the gym, working and keeping focused,” Santoro said. “If complacency is a problem, you probably don’t have a championship team to begin with.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Lourdes’ Brady Hildebrand drives on Byram Hill’s Matt Milone during the first half of the Section 1 Class A semifinal at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday.

Lourdes’ Aiden Hildebrand drives on Byram Hill’s Ben Leff in the Section 1 Class A boys semifinal at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Wednesday.

Scoring just never appealed to Noelle Mancini. For a long time, the thrill in playing basketball was blocking shots, contesting jumpers, defending the post and rebounding.

The Spackenkill High School junior said last fall that it would be a challenge for her this season, being relied on to score. But the 6-foot-1 post said she was willing to give it a shot.

The collective reaction of her Spartans teammates: Shoot!

The collection reaction of opponents this season: Aww, shoot!

Mancini had 17 points and 11 rebounds on Thursday, leading top-seeded Spackenkill in a 44-28 win over No 4. James I. O’Neill in a Section 9 Class B semifinal.

The win sets up a showdown between Spackenkill, seeking its first section title since 2015, and upstart Highland in the final on Saturday, 2 p.m. at SUNY Orange.

Sixth-seeded Highland beat No. 2 Fallsburg, 51-35, in its second successive playoff upset on Thursday. Bri Rozzi had 17 points and four assists, and Sam Garcia had 10 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Huskies (15-5).

“We never thought of ourselves as underdogs,” Highland coach Jim Malak said. “We thought we were better than a sixth seed, and we’ve played our best ball in the playoffs.”

Spackenkill, meanwhile, rolled against O’Neil. Maya-K Johnson had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans (10-11). Issy Herrera added 11 points and Eileen Fiore had seven rebounds and, coach Don Neise said, “anchored the defense that did a great job against them.”

But it was Mancini who again shined. She also had 16 points in their quarterfinal blowout of Ellenville.

“The talent was always there, it was just a matter of her building confidence on the offensive end,” Neise said. “She’s been able to provide us with a great inside presence.”

Neise warned that Highland is a “very athletic” team that can’t be taken lightly.

“We respect Spackenkill,” Malak said. “But at this point, we’re just two teams fighting for the same goal.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Basketball in Hoop

Basketball in Hoop

Rhinebeck has earned itself a chance to compete for its first Section 9 championship since 2001.

Jack Spencer had 23 points and seven rebounds, and Rob Veith scored 22 points to lead the third-seeded Hawks in a 62-53 win over No. 7 Rondout Valley on Thursday night in a Section 9 Class B semifinal.

The win sets up for Rhinebeck a meeting with top-seeded Spackenkill in the final on Saturday, 4 p.m. at SUNY Orange. The Spartans topped fourth-seeded Marlboro, 61-54, in the other semifinal. Marlboro, the defending regional champion, topped Spackenkill in triple-overtime of the section final last season.

The Spartans have beaten Rhinebeck twice this season, most recently 57-51 in a Mid-Hudson Athletic League semifinal two weeks ago.

“We’ve been close with them both times,” Hawks coach David Aierstok said. “This final is going to be hard-fought.”

Rhinebeck opened the fourth quarter on a 12-0 run against Rondout — during which Joe Boland hit two three-pointers. Aierstok lauded the defense and hustle of Zach Matthews.

“We had guys diving on the floor and the effort showed that they don’t want to see this season end,” Aierstok said. “They’ve got tremendous fight in them.”

John S. Burke Catholic 68, Franklin D. Roosevelt 61 — Nowah Rosado scored 23 points for third-seeded Roosevelt in the loss to No. 2 Burke Catholic in a Section 9 Class AA semifinal on Thursday. Ryan Diehl added 10 points and DeAndre Orr scored nine points for the Presidents (15-6). Pat Douthit scored 25 points to lead Burke.

“I told the guys the accomplishments we made all year are phenomenal and a testament to our leadership,” Roosevelt coach Kevin Hart said. “We had an awesome year and I couldn’t be more proud of them … We had opportunities to win this, but we just came up a little short.”

Roosevelt will graduate six seniors, but does return six players. For them, Hart said, “This loss will be motivation to get back to postseason play next year.”

Girls basketball

Warwick 50, Franklin D. Roosevelt 21 — Third-seeded Roosevelt lost to No. 2 Warwick in a Section 9 Class AA semifinal.

Lourdes’ Madison Seigrist (20) puts up a shot during the first half of play in the Section 1 Class AA girls semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Thursday, March 2, 2017.

Our Lady of Lourdes insisted all season that it not only expected to face Ossining in the playoffs, but that it would have no fear of the four-time defending girls basketball state champion.

The Warriors showed that for a half on Thursday night, proving themselves a handful for Ossining. But in the end, the Pride proved too much to handle, controlling the second half to pull away for a 76-66 win in a Section 1 Class AA semifinal at the Westchester County Center.

Maddie Siegrist scored 30 points for Our Lady of Lourdes, but her team’s sterling season came to an end against the giant that has loomed over its class.

Ossining’s Kailah Harris (34) and Lourdes’ Daniela Valdez (21) fight for possession during the first half of play in the Section 1 Class AA girls semifinal basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Thursday, March 2, 2017.

Lourdes trailed 38-37 at intermission, showing briefly that its boastful talk was backed by substance. But Ossining, simply, had too much talent to contain.

LOURDES VS BYRAM HILLS: Lourdes boys have loftier goals than semifinal stunner

PLAYOFFS: Siegrist dominates, leads Lourdes to showdown with Ossining

“We played well the first half and we were right there,” Lourdes coach Al Viani said. “But they opened up the lead in the third and we couldn’t catch them.”

Abby Weeks added 12 points and Katie Clarke scored nine points for Lourdes (20-3).

Ossining forward Andra Espinoza-Hunter scored 36 points, which actually was a dip from her season average of 38.3 points per game. She had scored 51 points in the Pride’s win over Lourdes in December. Kailah Harris added 22 points.

The Warriors improved by five wins from last season and were dominant during stretches of the regular season. But, of their three losses, two were to Ossining.

Ossining will face No. 3 Albertus Magnus in the final at 2 p.m. Sunday, seeking a seventh consecutive section title. It was Albertus Magnus that snapped the Pride’s 93-game win steak against Section 1 opponents on Feb. 1.

“This was a tough way to finish out, but we had a great season,” Viani said. “(The players) will lament this for a little bit, but they’ll be OK and we’ll move on. They’re a resilient group.”

The Warriors will return nine players, including Siegrist, a 6-foot-1 center who starred during their postseason run.

“We’ve just gotta think about next year,” Viani said. “We’re already thinking about next year. We’ll bounce back.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

A view of the Pine Plains girls basketball team after winning the Section 9 Class C final.

NEWBURGH – Ashley Starzyk gazed in awe at what she had just been handed, pressed it against her chest and blushed a bit. It was as if she had been gifted a rare gem.

“I love it!” she later exclaimed. “It’s beautiful.”

Several of her teammates reacted similarly.

It wasn’t even the championship plaque that elicited that reaction on Friday. No, this precious memento was dark blue and made of nylon, and it matched the Pine Plains girls basketball uniforms quite well.

At this point, it seems, those sectional championship T-shirts are all the rave for the Bombers. And in typical fashion, Pine Plains earned some more for the collection.

Starzyk starred with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in leading the top-seeded Bombers over Millbrook, 56-41, to capture a third consecutive Section 9 Class C championship at Mount St. Mary College.

Pine Plains’ Frances Snyder, right, takes the ball down the court during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Millbrook at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

The Bombers will face the Section 1 champion (Haldane or Hamilton) in a regional semifinal Tuesday, 5 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz.

READ: For Pine Plains basketball, it’s all in the family

READ: After a concussion upended her life, Pine Plains’ Fumasoli triumphs on court

“Winning has become a tradition here and it’s something we expect,” said forward Cat Simmons, who also led the Pine Plains softball team to a section title last spring. “But it’s always the most exciting thing to get it done.”

Getting it done wasn’t easy. In fact, it took a fourth-quarter surge for Pine Plains to finally silence No.2 Millbrook. Each time it seemed the Bombers were about to pull away in the second and third quarters, Millbrook answered with a spurt to keep it close. But it was Starzyk, late, who sealed it.

The 6-foot-3 center scored 10 in the fourth, including three quick baskets to open the period. She sank a reverse layup after recovering a loose ball along the baseline, pushing the lead to 48-38 with 5:06 remaining.

“It was big for her to step up and take over like she did,” guard Tia Fumasoli said. “She’s capable of that and she came through when we needed it.”

Frances Snyder scored 11 points and Bella Starzyk had 11 points and six rebounds for Pine Plains (15-6). Simmons added eight points and three steals, and Haley Strang scored four points. Fumasoli had five points but made her mark on defense with two steals and six deflections on the perimeter.

Simmons and Snyder each drained two three-pointers in the first, helping stake Pine Plains to a 21-14 lead. But Millbrook pulled within 27-23 at intermission.

It took a while for the Bombers to get their inside game going. Millbrook’s Erin Fox dominated the paint with 14 of her 18 points in the first half and Pine Plains found it difficult to contain the freshman until switching to a zone defense, Ashley Starzyk said. On the other end, Millbrook’s foul trouble and Starzyk’s maneuvering out of double teams helped free her.

“Each year, we get nervous coming into these big games, but we get even more excited after them,” said Ashley Starzyk, a senior. “It’s a thrill.”

Sam McKenna had eight points and Kaitlyn Daly scored seven for the Blazers (15-6), who had last reached the final in 2014.

The silver lining for Millbrook is immediately visible on their roster. The Blazers have no seniors and eight underclassmen, so this season can serve as a building block. The future certainly seems bright.

Pine Plains’ Cathryn Simmons, left, looks for an open teammate during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Millbrook at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

But the present belongs to Pine Plains, which has won the last two regional championships and now has designs on claiming a state title.

Oh, speaking of designs…

“I would’ve preferred long sleeves,” sophomore Bella Starzyk joked as she showed off her T-shirt. “But these are definitely nice.”

Fitting.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Scenes from the Section 9 Class C girls basketball championship game between Pine Plains and Millbrook at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Pine Plains’ Haley Strang, left, wretches a rebound away from Millbrook’s Hannah Fisher, right, during Friday’s Section 9 championship game at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Pine Plains’ Isabella Starzyk, center, goes for a layup during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Millbrook at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Millbrook’s Humberto Cabrera, left, brings the ball down the court during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Tri-Valley at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

NEWBURGH – In some sports-related fantasies, we presume, the championship is won in a dramatic and cathartic moment. A buildup of immense stress and uneasiness, finally, is released and tension transforms in a nanosecond to jubilation as the hero delivers.

Ehh… Not this time.

“But there is a lot of joy in winning like this,” Millbrook boys basketball coach Bill Kyle said on Friday. “It eases a lot of the tension you would normally have late in the game, and you get a chance to enjoy the performance.”

And what a performance it was.

The Millbrook boys basketball team after winning the Section 9 Class C championship game against Tri-Valley at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Humberto Cabrera scored 31 points to lead top-seeded Millbrook in a 77-42 rout of Tri-Valley in the Section 9 Class C final at Mount St. Mary College.

The upstart Blazers captured their first title since 2009 and advance to face the Section 1 champion (North Salem or Hamilton) in a regional semifinal on Tuesday, 7 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz.

READ: Cabrera scores 20, leads Millbrook to section final

“This is what all the hard work and practice is for,” said Cabrera, a 6-foot-1 guard who scored 13 points in the first quarter. “You do all that for moments like this, when it’s just pure excitement.”

There wasn’t a particular moment in this game, though. But for the Millbrook supporters — and the coach’s blood pressure — that was just fine. The excitement persisted throughout.

Gavin Burns scored 13 points for the Blazers (16-6). Shane Sinon, Jake Daly and Zeke Kopilak each added six points and were among nine Millbrook players who scored.

Brennan Healy had 22 points for third-seeded Tri-Valley.

Millbrook’s Zeke Kopilak, center, goes for a layup during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Tri-Valley at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

This contest was close for 14 seconds. That’s the time that elapsed before the Blazers scored their first basket. In a blink, Millbrook had a 9-0 lead, and it was 13-2 under three minutes in. More than a hot start, it was foreshadowing. Millbrook maintained its high-energy frenetic pace, and Cabrera proved unstoppable off the dribble. Tri-Valley simply had no mach for any of it.

The Blazers were up 62-29 at the end of the third quarter and by then, in the stands behind their bench at least, the celebration was already on.

“It’s fun to win games like this, because you know everyone played well and we executed,” Drew Jackson said. “Everybody gets a chance to get in and be a part of the championship.”

That included big man Nick Larocque, who elicited the loudest ovation and had his name chanted when he was substituted in with four minutes left. The junior is a center for the Millbrook football team — a position that seldom draws attention, let alone acclaim — and he has received sparse playing time in basketball this season.

“I’ve never heard anything like that before,” Larocque said of the chants. “This is the first time a crowd has reacted like that to me.”

Teammates said that he is beloved. That, and he was the last reserve to enter the game for Millbrook as Kyle made sure to empty his bench in the second half. Football players Delvin Wood and Jacob Wright led the cheers for their friend and said this victory — and in that fashion — offered them solace for the fall. The Blazers reached the section final in football, but lost a lead in the fourth quarter and fell to John S. Burke Catholic. Larocque agreed with that assessment.

“My freshman and sophomore years we weren’t competitive in basketball,” said Cabrera, a junior. “So that makes this feel even more special. We’ve got guys playing basketball year-round and it’s showed.”

From start to finish.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Millbrook’s Shane Sinon looks for an open teammate during Friday’s Section 9 championship game against Tri-Valley at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Haldane girls basketball players celebrate with the gold ball after defeating Hamilton 47-39 in the girls basketball Class C championship game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains March 4, 2017.

WHITE PLAINS – Following a Section 1 Class C semifinal win Tuesday, Haldane head coach Tyrone Searight said he would not take Hamilton lightly in the final Saturday at the Westchester County Center. Had he been thinking differently, things may not have turned out in the Blue Devils’ favor.

Top-seeded Haldane survived a physical battle against the third-seeded Red Raiders, 47-39, to come away with its fourth consecutive gold ball. Haldane will now get its long-awaited rematch with Section 9 champion Pine Plains in the state regional semifinals.

SECTION 9: Starzyk stars late as Pine Plains wins third straight section title

LOHUD: Haldane earns respect, regardless of size

LAST YEAR: Pine Plains girls march into regional finals with romp over Haldane

The Blue Devils (17-5) will take on the 2016 state finalists, who ended their season last year, Tuesday at SUNY New Paltz at 5 p.m.

Haldane senior guard Missy Lisikatos did not play after re-injuring her knee Tuesday. Freshman Olivia McDermott started in her place, and did not waste the opportunity to step up in the biggest game of her young career.

“I was really excited,” McDermott, who scored 10 points in the win, said of the start. “We were determined to win, even without one of our most valuable players.”

From left, Haldane’s Abbey Stowell (25) and Alzy Cinquanta (20) battle for a rebound with Hamilton’s Madison Hood (5) during the girls basketball Class C championship game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains March 4, 2017. Haldane won the game 47-39.

Junior forward Allison Chiera was named tournament MVP for the second straight year after scoring a team-high 11 points in the finale. Senior guard Hannah Monteleone joined her teammate on the all-tournament team.

Hamilton’s Nina Gill and Miranda Signor represented the Red Raiders on the all-tournament squad. Pawling senior Mackenzie Meissner and North Salem sophomore Grace Curran rounded out the team.

Player of the game: Allison Chiera, Haldane. While some players freeze up under the County Center lights, Chiera always seems to turn her game up another notch on the big stage.

Turning point: Hamilton had been gaining steam up until McDermott’s 3-pointer with 4:38 left in the game, which made it a seven-point game. The Red Raiders scored just one point the rest of the way.

Stat line: Haldane had a balanced offensive attack in the win. The Blue Devils had eight different scorers, five of which scored at least five points. Even though Hamilton had six different scorers, Gill scored a game-high 23 points.

Haldane got to the free-throw line with regularity and greater success Saturday, shooting 13-for-21 from the charity stripe. Hamilton was just 4-for-13 at the line.

Quotable: “When we lost last year, that’s all I was thinking about,” Searight said of the season-ending loss to Pine Plains. “This is all I asked for. We want a shot at them.”

Mike Zacchio writes for the Journal News in Westchester County. He can be reached via email at mzacchio@lohud.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Zacchio_LoHud.

Haldane’s Alzy Cinquanta celebrates with her teammates and the gold ball after defeating Hamilton 47-39 in the girls basketball Class C championship game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains March 4, 2017.

MIDDLETOWN – Underdog? Umm…

Highland has insisted that tag didn’t really belong to them. After each “upset” pulled during this playoff run, the girls basketball team told all who would listen that it was better than the sixth seed, that it was at least as talented as those favored teams.

Gotta believe ’em now.

“Uh-huh,” point guard Bri Rozzi said with a grin on Saturday. “I think we just proved that.”

With incontrovertible evidence.

Rozzi had 22 points and six assists as Highland rolled in a 49-31 win over top-seeded Spackenkill High School to capture the Section 9 Class B championship at SUNY Orange.

Highland’s Brianna Rozzi, center, attempts a shot during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game against Spackenkill at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

“We knew all along what we could do and how good we were,” forward Jayda Jackson said. “It was just a matter of showing it, and we did.”

The Huskies advance to face the Section 1 champion in a regional semifinal on Tuesday, 3 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz. Irvington and Briarcliff were scheduled to play Saturday night in White Plains for the Section 1 title.

Emily Peterson scored eight points and Sam Garcia added six points and 14 rebounds for Highland (16-5). Jackson added five points and guard Candace McCutcheon, a defensive maven, gave fits to Spackenkill on the perimeter.

“We knew that we could do this,” Garcia said. “I couldn’t have predicted the score, but I knew we were going to have a good game and win.”

Winning titles isn’t exactly new for this program. Highland last won the title in 2014, capping a run of five championships in six seasons. But coaching changes and a loss to a near-indomitable Marlboro in the playoffs a year ago, perhaps, removed some luster. Only Rozzi, a sophomore, and senior Taylor Farino were on the roster for its last title.

That, and the Huskies’ 4-4 league record this season made the Section 9 seeding committee stick them with a sixth seed. The claims of being better than its seed, however, weren’t unfounded.

“But we did well overall and we played against a tough non-league schedule,” Highland coach Jim Malak said. “We got better as the season went along and we came into the playoffs battle-tested.”

The final, for most of the second half, wasn’t much of a battle. Highland took control early and never trailed. Rozzi drained three-pointers on back-to-back possessions in the first quarter, the second of which was a bomb from three feet behind the arc that put the Huskies up, 8-2, with 4:36 left.

Spackenkill had a 7-0 run in the second quarter and Eileen Fiore’s layup pulled them within 22-15. But Highland answered, and McCutcheon’s jumper with 17 seconds left in the half made it 28-15.

“It’s really been our defense that’s brought us here,” Rozzi said. “Candace has been amazing on defense and that’s been a huge factor.”

Issy Herrera had 10 points and Maya-K Johnson had eight points and seven rebounds for the Spartans (10-12). Noelle Mancini scored five points. The 6-foot-1 center had thrived offensively in the playoffs, but Highland contained her with well-timed double teams on the elbow.

“We lost twice to Marlboro (in the regular season) and then turned around and beat them in the playoffs,” Jackson said. “That shows how much we’ve improved.”

That growth was more rapid than Malak expected. With only one senior and a team featuring mostly sophomores and juniors, Malak said he thought it would take another year for them to contend.

“That part of it has been a pleasant surprise for me,” the coach said.

After the Huskies ripped through the Section 9 bracket, we would assume he isn’t alone.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

The Highland girls basketball team celebrates its victory over Spackenkill in the Section 9 Class B championship game at SUNY Orange in Middletown

Highland’s Emily Peterson, left, goes for a layup during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game against Spackenkill at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

Highland’s Sam Garcia, right, blocks a shot from Spackenkill’s Madeleine McCall, center, during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game at Orange Community College in Middletown.

The Spackenkill boys basketball team after beating Rhinebeck in the Section 9 Class B championship game at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

MIDDLETOWN – Intangibles go but so far. Terms like “intensity” and “grit” have become bromides in sports parlance, but seldom are those really the determining factors in a game.

That is, until a team has been shellacked in the opening minutes of a championship and the idea of a sparkling season ending up fruitless becomes a real possibility.

The Spackenkill boys basketball team avoided that on Saturday, rallying in the second quarter and then taking control to beat Rhinebeck High School, 65-56, in the Section 9 Class B final at SUNY Orange.

“There’s no better feeling than holding that plaque,” forward Kyiev Bennermon said. “From the end of tryouts, when I saw the kind of talent we had on this team, I knew we had a chance to win this.”

Spackenkill’s Camron Abalos, center, takes the ball down the court during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game against Rhinebeck at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

Camron Abalos scored for 11 of his 25 points in the third quarter, and Hayden Peek dropped 11 of his 21 in that pivotal period for the top-seeded Spartans. Those names pop immediately in the box score.

But the one most mentioned by teammates — including those two — was John Timm. The senior scored two points, but…

“He lit a fire under us,” Spackenkill coach Tom Bell said. “John brought the energy defensively and that’s what led to us turning the game around.”

Spackenkill, which last won the title in 2014, will face Section 1 champion Pleasantville in a regional semifinal on Tuesday, 5:45 p.m. at Yorktown High School.

Spackenkill’s Kyiev Bennermon, center, goes for a layup during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game against Rhinebeck at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

But Rhinebeck’s performance at the outset raised doubts about Spackenkill’s prospects. The third-seeded Hawks raced out to a 9-0 lead three minutes in, and Lex Kronbichler’s three put them up, 19-7, three minutes into the second quarter.

That’s when Timm began putting his imprint on the game. The forward shifted to guarding Jack Spencer, Rhinebeck’s hot hand, and held him to five points in the second.

“Last year I had to sit out with a concussion and I watched our team lose to Marlboro in the final,” Timm said. “So I wanted to do everything I could… I don’t contribute much on offense, so I try to have an impact on the other end.”

Spencer did finish with 25, but Timm certainly made him work for it and his constant pressure and aggressiveness helped ignite that in his teammates.

“Coach was preaching defense all along, but when you see somebody giving maximum effort and making things happen, that adds something to it,” said Abalos, a point guard. “After that, we all started getting more aggressive and trying to make plays.”

The rotations and switches on defense were more crisp, and the back court pressure led to turnovers. Ezekiel De La Cruz, with his length and athleticism, also helped contain Rhinebeck. And the offense picked up. The Spartans surged late in the second quarter and Bennermon’s layup had them entering intermission down just 26-24.

Spackenkill’s Tucker Lee, right, looks for an open teammate while Rhinebeck’s Lex Kronbichler, left, defends during Saturday’s Section 9 championship game at Orange Community College in Middletown.

Spackenkill outscored Rhinebeck, 24-14, in the third. Peek’s three from the left wing — off a drive and kick from Abalos — gave them a 41-34 lead with 2:53 left in the quarter. Bennermon had 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Spartans (20-2).

“We had trouble scoring at first,” Peek said, “but we kept attacking and we knew our shots would eventually fall.”

The Hawks did rally late, and Rob Veith (nine points) converted a three-point play that cut the lead to 58-54 with 1:25 remaining. But Spackenkill sank free throws to salt the game away. Rhinebeck went 19-3, but the Spartans were responsible for each of those losses.

“They’re a great team and it was tough,” Bennermon said, “It’s never easy to beat a team three times.”

That’s another of those sports clichés. Another one proven true.

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Jessica Wilkinson, 50, drives possession towards Cornwalls net with Olivia Davet, 15, close on her tail in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

NEWBURGH – For as much as had gone wrong and as poorly as Red Hook played during stretches of this game, the waning seconds offered an opportunity to continue what had been a magical season.

The blunders of the previous possessions didn’t matter as the ball took flight from the left wing. A crammed and rollicking gymnasium suddenly went silent as Kalie Harrison released the shot. And for a second, the Raiders had hope.

“’Please go in! Please go in!’” Jessica Wilkinson said of her Sunday evening prayer. “That’s all you’re thinking.”

The ball hit the backboard and deflected onto the rim, but it rolled off as time expired.

So ended the Red Hook girls basketball season as top-seeded Cornwall High School won a nail-biter, 37-34, to capture the Section 9 Class A championship at Mount St. Mary College.

Cornwall, which had lost in each of the previous five section finals, finally cleared its hurdle. And for the second-seeded Raiders, there was heartbreak.

“To be honest, this (stinks),” senior Alexa Francheschi said. “We thought we could handle them and we just didn’t play well.”

FEATURE: Red Hook’s Harrison delivers on farm, on court

SECTION 9: Rozzi shines as ‘underdog’ Highland girls roll to a Section 9 championship

SECTION 1: Haldane girls win fourth straight Section 1 title

Excluding a few stretches, particularly in a roaring third quarter, her assessment was accurate. Still, Red Hook had a chance to tie the score at the end with the ball in the hands of a clutch shooter. And it almost happened.

That the Raiders came so close — and that so many of their fans believed — was a testament to what this team had exhibited all season.

Kalie Harrison of Red Hook, 3, drives the ball down court while flanked by Samantha Incognoli, 12, and Mekenzi Moreau, 11, of Cornwall in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Red Hook (19-4) won its league, reached milestones, dominated for portions of the season and had its share of dramatic victories. In fact, it was a Harrison three-pointer that won the Mid-Hudson Athletic League semifinal last month before the Raiders went on to win that title for the first time since 2007.

“They have given me so many reasons to be proud,” coach Andrew Makebish said. “We struggled in this game, but looking back on the season as a whole, we have to be pleased.”

Wilkinson, who earlier this season topped 1,500 career points and set the program scoring record, had 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals. Francheschi added 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Harrison had three points and three steals.

Maggie Malone scored 17 points for Cornwall, which faces Vestal of Section 4 in a regional semifinal on Wednesday at SUNY New Paltz.

Red Hook last won the title in 2012, beating Cornwall.

“This is amazing,” Cornwall’s Samantha Incognoli said. “We’ve waited a long time for this and we just believed this was the year we’d finally make it happen in the final.”

Red Hook had a number of offensive droughts and fell behind 20-12 early in the third quarter. But the Raiders surged late in the period. Perimeter pressure led to turnovers, and Red Hook capitalized.

“We put up a fight and gave ourselves a chance,” Wilkinson said. “We can keep our heads up.”

Megan Jankowiak, 33, navigates through Cornwalls heavy defense for a 2 point shot in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Wilkinson’s steal and fast-break layup at 1:56 gave them a 26-25 lead — their first since 2:53 of the first quarter. Syr Esposito (four points) hit a jumper that pushed it to 29-25 at the end of the third.

Malone’s free throws retook the lead for Cornwall at 33-32 with 3:38 remaining, then she hit a layup a minute later. Francheschi’s put-back pulled Red Hook within a point with 1:25 left, then Harrison got a steal. But the Raiders turned it over twice in the final minute, forcing them to foul to stop the clock.

The Dragons’ missed free throws to left the door ajar for Red Hook on its final possession with nine seconds left. But it wasn’t to be.

“There are a lot of little girls who’ve been at our games all season and they look at this team like superheroes,” Makebish said. “That won’t change.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

Red Hooks Megan Jankowiak, 33, goes in for the rebound in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Alexa Francheschi of Red Hook, 24, goes for a 2 point shot in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Alexa Francheschi of Red Hook, 24, goes for a 2 point shot against Cornwalls Cassidy Brusseler, 23, in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Alexa Francheschi of Red Hook, 24, battles for possession of the ball with Madison Vinett of Cornwall, 22, in Cornwalls 37-34 winning game for the Section 9 basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Lourdes’ James Anozie hoists the gold ball after defeating Tappan Zee 42-38 in the Section 1 Class A boys championship basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

WHITE PLAINS – Kevin Townes emerged as a hero for the Our Lady of Lourdes High School basketball team Sunday.

Perhaps a superhero, earning his cape with a key steal and a layup to lead the fifth-seeded Warriors to a 42-39 win over No. 2 Tappan Zee in the Section 1 Class A final at the Westchester County Center. It was Lourdes’ first section title since 2013.

“He saved the day for us!” teammate James Anozie exclaimed. “That was the biggest thing he’s done this year. He’ll never forget that. Kevin Townes, everybody’s going to know his name.”

With the win, the Warriors (18-6) made their name known among Westchester’s toughest competition, and also received a bye into the New York State regional final. They will take on either the Section 9 champion Poughkeepsie or Section 4 winners Johnson City at Pace University in Pleasantville on Friday.

“We’re going to relax tonight and celebrate a little bit,” Warriors coach Jim Santoro said after the game. “My coaching staff, which does a tremendous job, is going to scour every piece of information that’s out there and give it to me. We’ll all sit down and process it, and formulate a game plan.”

PREVIOUSLY: Lourdes has far loftier goals than semifinal stunner

QUARTERFINALS: Anozie’s dream comes true in Lourdes’ quarterfinal win

FEATURE: Townes siblings spark Lourdes basketball teams

Townes came up with the sequence of big plays for the section title win in the closing seconds of the game. With Lourdes leading 40-39, the Dutchmen grabbed the rebound off of a missed free throw from Anozie. The ball went to Tappan Zee’s Kieran Gibson, who charged upcourt. That’s when Townes made his move and came up with the steal. He went the other way on a fast break and drained the layup as time expired.

“I was trying to force him left. I tried to make him do the crossover, and when he did that I got the steal,” Townes explained. “It felt amazing. When I heard the buzzer go off after it went in, I was so ecstatic. I gave James a big hug, because I know he’s wanted this since freshman year.”

Anozie, a senior center, led the Warriors with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Townes added eight points, eight rebounds and five steals. He was selected as an all-tournament player.

Lourdes’s Aidan Hilderbrand (5) recognizes the fans after defeating Tappan Zee 42-38 in the Section 1 Class A boys championship basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Lourdes began the game strong, taking a 4-3 lead with 3:23 to play in the first quarter on a layup by Townes. The Warriors then scored six unanswered to take a 9-3 lead at the end of the first.

The Warriors continued to build their advantage in the second, leading by as many as 16. Lourdes held a 24-14 lead at halftime.

But Tappan Zee fought back.

The Dutchmen trimmed Lourdes’ lead to three, 40-37, with 1:03 to play. They scored two more before Townes hit his game-ending shot.

Lourdes’ Joe Heavey (2) leaps for a rebound during their 42-38 win over Tappan Zee in the Section 1 Class A boys championship basketball game at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

“We unleashed a strategy tonight that we’ve been holding,” Santoro said. “Don’t use your instincts to decide what’s good — shoot the ball. We did that and it paid off.”

The Warriors defeated top-seeded Byram Hills, 54-48, in Wednesday’s semifinals. They were happy to have shown the Westchester County teams that Dutchess County players can compete.

“Westchester — they’re all tough teams. We had to keep on grinding,” Anozie said. “We kept on grinding and grinding and we proved them all wrong. That’s what happened.”

Added Santoro: “Dutchess County basketball is pretty darn good. We come down as a relatively unknown. It’s good for us. When we come down (and win) it’s surprise.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Poughkeepsie takes the win over Goshen in overtime with a final score of 100-92 securing the Section 9 Class A basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

NEWBURGH – It was with heavy hearts that Poughkeepsie entered this basketball season.

Following an offseason marred by controversy and tragedy, the players, emotionally worn, said the court would serve as their sanctuary. It would be an escape from a reality they fast learned can be cruel.

Mo’Quez Dickens said in December, not long after attending his second funeral of the year, that there was more significance to this season because Pioneers needed to help heal the community and ” make our angels proud.”

To that end: Mission accomplished.

Poughkeepsie rallied late and stunned top-seeded Goshen High School, 100-92, in overtime to win the Section 9 Class A championship at Mount St. Mary College on Sunday.

Poughkeepsie was blitzed in the second half by Goshen’s outside shooting and, after leading from the opening possession, trailed by as many as 69-57 with seven minutes remaining. But the third-seeded Pioneers roared back late and forced overtime when Davontrey Thomas’s two free throws tied it at 83 with 15 seconds left.

Marvin Lunsford’s jumper gave Poughkeepsie a 1-point lead in overtime, then Antawone West (19 points) hit a three to make it 90-86, and the Pioneers took control. Free throws in the final minute helped them pull away.

“At the start of the season, I didn’t think we could make it this far,” said Lunsford, who scored 21 points. “This feeling is amazing.”

Poughkeepsie (14-7), which won a Section 1 title in 2013, advances to face the Section 4 champs Johnson City in a regional semifinal on Wednesday, 7 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz.

The shooting death of former teammate Caval Haylett last March led off a tumultuous offseason that saw an unexpected coaching change that drew the ire of the community, and the passing of some players’ loved ones.

“This wasn’t just for us,” Dickens said on Sunday. “The community needed this.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

High school basketball

The champs are here.

Scenes from the Section 9 Class B boys basketball championship game between Spackenkill and Rhinebeck at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

Local boys and girls basketball champions were crowned across Section 1 and Section 9 this past weekend.

This week, New York State Public High School Athletic Association regional play begins for area teams. Here is a look at where they are all headed.

Highland girls basketball

A year removed from a pair of coaching changes, sixth-seeded Highland knocked off top-seeded Spackenkill 49-31 on Saturday at SUNY Orange in Middletown to win the Section 9 Class B championship.

What’s next: Highland faces Section 1 champion Irvington at 3 p.m. Tuesday at SUNY New Paltz in a regional semifinal. The winner of Tuesday’s game faces the Long Island champion, either Section 8’s Carle Place or Section 11’s Mattituck at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in a regional final for a berth in next weekend’s Final Four.

Photo gallery: Girls basketball: Pine Plains beats Millbrook in Section 9 final

Pine Plains and Haldane girls basketball

Pine Plains, which has made the state title game in the last two seasons, won its third straight Section 9 Class C title, beating Millbrook 56-41 on Friday at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

Haldane won its fourth straight Section 1 Class C title on Saturday, beating Alexander Hamilton 43-39 at Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Photo gallery: Photos: Haldane defeats Hamilton to win Class C championship

What’s next: Pine Plains and Haldane face in a regional semifinal for a third straight season at 5 p.m. Tuesday at SUNY New Paltz. The winner of that game faces the Long Island champion, either Section 8’s East Rockaway or Section 11’s Port Jefferson at 5 p.m. on Thursday at SUNY Old Westbury in a regional final for a berth in next weekend’s Final Four.

Photo gallery: Boys basketball: Spackenkill beats Rhinebeck in Section 9 final

Spackenkill boys basketball

Spackenkill won the Section 9 Class B title, beating Rhinebeck 65-56 on Saturday at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

What’s next: The Spartans face Section 1 champion Pleasantville at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at Yorktown High School in a regional semifinal. Pleasantville defeated Briarcliff 58-49 on Saturday in White Plains. The winner of that game faces the Long Island champion either Friday or Saturday in a regional final for a berth in next weekend’s Final Four.

Photo gallery: Boys basketball: Millbrook beats Tri-Valley in Section 9 finals

Millbrook boys basketball

Millbrook won the Section 9 Class C title, beating Tri-Valley 77-42 on Friday at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

What’s next: The Blazers face Section 1 champion North Salem at 7 p.m. Tuesday at SUNY New Paltz in a regional semifinal. North Salem defeated Alexander Hamilton 61-57 on Saturday in White Plains. The winner of that game faces the Long Island champion either Friday or Saturday in a regional final for a berth in next weekend’s Final Four.

Photo gallery: Photos: Poughkeepsie boys defeat Goshen in OT for Section 9 title

Poughkeepsie and Our Lady of Lourdes boys basketball

Poughkeepsie won the Section 9 Class A title, beating Goshen in overtime, 100-92, on Sunday at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. Our Lady of Lourdes won the Section 1 Class A title, beating Tappan Zee 42-39 on Sunday at Westchester County Center in White Plains on Sunday.

What’s next: Poughkeepsie faces Section 4 champion Johnson City in a regional semifinal at 7 p.m. Wednesday at SUNY New Paltz. Johnson City defeated Vestal 73-52 on Saturday. The winner of Wednesday’s game faces Lourdes on Friday at Pace University in Pleasantville.

Photo gallery: Photos: Lourdes’ defeats Tappan Zee to win Section 1 Class A Title

Pragmatism suggests there is no such thing as a “team of destiny.”

Poughkeepsie High School’s Jahquel Harvard boxes out a Goshen opponent during Sunday’s Section 9 Class A final at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

There are good teams that capitalize on fortuitous circumstances and accomplish what few expected. Simple.

A proverbial magic carpet ride lasts only until a stiff breeze disrupts it.

But every so often, a group gives cause to wonder if destiny is involved. And the occurrence gives some reason to make statements like:

“There’s something special going on,” Poughkeepsie High School basketball player Mo’Quez Dickens said on Sunday. “I feel like we can take it all, like we can go to the top.”

The senior said that after Poughkeepsie had pulled a stunning comeback and upset top-seeded Goshen, 100-92, in overtime to capture the Section 9 Class A championship at Mount St. Mary College.

It had already been a remarkable run for the third-seeded Pioneers, a team few believed in at the beginning of the season. Heck, the team itself didn’t imagine getting that far.

And Goshen represented that fierce gust of wind.

But the Pioneers erased a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter and surged in overtime to win their first title since 2013, when they earned a Section 1 championship.

“There’s a component of luck in getting here,” Poughkeepsie coach Jerome Elting admitted. “We were fortunate. That team was tough and shot the ball really well. But we persevered.”

READ: Poughkeepsie takes refuge on court after difficult offseason

READ: Poughkeepsie basketball team helps feed the needy

The Pioneers (14-7) will face Johnson City of Section 4 in a regional semifinal on Wednesday, 7 p.m. at SUNY New Paltz.

In preparation, the team practiced on Monday, less than 24 hours after one of the most thrilling victories in program history.

“I’m not gonna lie,” sophomore Jamik Carter said, “we didn’t think we could win a title. I came into this game nervous.”

This was expected to a rebuilding season for Poughkeepsie, both tangibly and emotionally. The Pioneers would have a young roster, relying heavily on a slew of sophomores, and they would face challenges with a first-time head coach.

Many in the community questioned the decision to make a coaching change last summer, considering the team had reached the final a year ago.

As well, the team and neighborhood still was grieving the death of former teammate Caval Haylett, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed days after the basketball season ended last March.

Had the Pioneers struggled, it wouldn’t have been a shock. It would have been understandable.

But players said in December the season held more significance, and added motivation would come from attempting to “make our angels proud.”

Marvin Lunsford scored 21 points to lead the Pioneers in the final. Antawone West added 19 points and Tremell Reaves scored 16. Corey Simmons, a 6-foot-7 center, had 15 points and nine rebounds.

“We have people looking down over us, so this (championship) wasn’t just for me and my team,” said Dickens, whose grandmother died shortly before the season began. “This is for my family. The community needed this.”

Simmons expressed similar sentiments and said he played for his grandma, who also died last fall. March 2 was her birthday, the senior said as he became emotional, “so everything I do is to honor her.”

Given the tragedy and controversies the community has endured, that blue championship plaque can serve, at least, as a small feel-good emblem of progress.

“This is something they’ll always be able to talk about with their children and grandchildren one day,” said Elting, who starred on the court for Poughkeepsie in the 1970s. “This day — March 5, 2017 — we were here and we did something special.”

Comeback victory

The Pioneers raced out to a big lead, but Goshen charged back late in the second quarter and pulled within 40-35 at halftime. In the second half, the Gladiators unleashed an offensive barrage from the perimeter.

Cory Simmons, 44, takes a free throw shot against Goshen in Poughkeepsie’s 100-92 winning game, securing the Section 9 Class A basketball championship title at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, March 5, 2017

Goshen’s Ryan Lutz scored 14 of his 32 points in the third quarter. His deep three-pointer gave the Gladiators their first lead, 44-42, with 6:51 left in the third. Goshen had 30 points in the period and its lead eventually swelled to 69-57.

Poughkeepsie was kept afloat by sophomore Niyal Goins, who scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half and sparked the rally.

“Coach told us to that you don’t want to come out of this with bad memories,” Dickens said. “Win or lose, we had to give our best and make sure we wouldn’t have regrets.”

The Pioneers made a push late in the fourth, as Goshen’s shooting cooled, and Lunsford’s layup pulled them within two with 48 seconds left. Davontrey Thomas was fouled on a putback attempt with 15 seconds remaining. His two free throws tied it at 83.

“That’s our shooter,” Carter said. “There was no doubt he was gonna make those. Once we got it close and got back in, we started thinking we could win.”

Goshen scored first in overtime, but Lunsford’s jumper put Poughkeepsie ahead, 87-86, with 3:13 remaining. West then nailed a three on the ensuing possession. Myles Ukoh’s three-point play pulled the Gladiators within 90-89 with 2:31 left, but Carter’s four quick points rebuilt the lead and Poughkeepsie sealed it with free throws in the final minute.

Poughkeepsie’s Tremell Reaves drives against the Goshen defense during the Section 9 Class A final on March 5.

The buzzer sounded. Players rushed the court to celebrate, coaches and administrators hugged, fans danced, and the crowd roared as the Pioneers were crowned. The scene was lit, as the kids say.

“I didn’t expect this,” Goins said. “Right off the bat we lost our first game to (Franklin D. Roosevelt) and we got down on ourselves. I didn’t see us winning it at first. But we picked ourselves up.”

Lucky? Team of destiny? Maybe.

The most accurate label, however, is “champions.”

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4