Woodlands girls hold on through two overtimes, deny Pleasantville, 71-65
By Skip Pearlman
When Pleasantville forced overtime on a wild three-pointer at the buzzer against Woodlands last Friday night, it seemed like the Panthers – finding new life – had all the momentum.
But a calm Woodlands squad stuck to its game plan, and despite the Panthers forcing a second overtime, the Falcons stayed the course and carved out a 71-65 victory on Pleasantville’s home court.
For the Falcons it was a lot of Jasmine Michaux early, and more Teisha Hyman late. Hyman, an All-Section HM guard, delivered 24 points, including 12 in the two OT sessions. Michaux finished with 12, as did Kalena Menard. And Mariah Cherry was everywhere for Woodlands, pouring in 22 points.
“We had chances to put it away in regulation,” Falcons assistant coach Grant Valentine said. “But we made some turnovers… and then they hit that three. I expected it – that’s how basketball is. But in overtime it came down to toughness. Our girls have been working hard, and I knew they wouldn’t be tired. In the clutch, they’re always in control, and we made our free throws down the stretch – that was huge.”
Valentine pointed to several contributors down the stretch.
“Teisha showed great leadership,” the coach said of Hyman, who looks and plays more like a seasoned veteran than an eighth-grader. “We’re on the road, and she stepped up her game on the court, and she was vocal as a leader. Kalina Menard, another eighth-grader, stepped up and was a big presence, and Mariah – inside and outside – was unbelievable. All three had a remarkable game for us.”
Pleasantville (1-2) was led by Josie Amerson’s 27-point effort. Ann Marie DiCarlo and Courtney Sheehy each added 15 for the Panthers.
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