The Lady Panthers battled for a full thirty-two minutes Wednesday night against Wilson.
Wednesday evening brought another road-trip opportunity to the Saucon Valley High School girls’ basketball team. After a disappointing loss at Catasauqua on Monday, the Panthers travelled to Wilson for another Colonial League contest. In a competitive display of their talents, both teams gave the audience an entertaining show for a full thirty-two minutes. This time, contrary to Monday’s outcome, it was the Panthers who would come from behind to steal the victory.
Brooke Riefenstahl’s layup at the 5:18 mark was sandwiched between a couple of Wilson Warrior scores that got the show started during the early stages of play. Riefenstahl answered with a short jump-shot that was followed by a pair of Katie Kramer buckets giving the Panthers an 8-4 lead with 3:19 remaining in the 1st quarter. Wilson responded with consecutive scores to make it 8-8, but Panther senior Helen Kreschollek converted on a sweet give-and-go for a layup from Katherine Naiburg. Kreschollek reclaimed the Panther lead at 10-8. Then, with about one minute left to play before the first break, Wilson’s Gabby Vega drained a three-point bomb from way outside that earned the Warriors an 11-10 advantage. Katie Kramer added a free throw and a then a put-back to give Saucon a 13-11 lead with :30 seconds left. Finally, with only :02 seconds remaining on the clock, Wilson junior Sydney Gillen nailed a three-pointer to end the first period of play. Wilson led 14-13.
Saucon senior, Shannon Williams playing tight defense on Wilson’s Gabby Vega.
Saucon Valley outscored Wilson 6-4 during the first part of the 2nd quarter thanks to layups from Brooke Riefenstahl and Katherine Naiburg. Combined with a Helen Kreschollek put-back following a Warrior score, the Panthers were able to get the edge 21-18. However, Wilson was able to capitalize on a good basket and free-throw with 2:33 remaining in the 1st half to tie it up 21-21. Kreschollek followed with a couple of free-throws of her own, but the Warriors completed a late 6-0 run with :20 seconds remaining in the half. Brooke Riefenstahl got the last word in the 3rd quarter when she knifed through the Warrior defense and finished a bucket. At the half Wilson led 27-25.
Battle-Kat Naiburg protecting the ball and running the Panther offense.
The 3rd quarter was a bit of a see-saw battle. Saucon benefitted from a three-pointer courtesy of junior, Olivia Williams at the start of the period and another from classmate, Katie Kramer to end the period. In between, Saucon Valley got a couple of scores from Shannon Williams and Brooke Riefenstahl. After three periods of play the Panthers and Warriors were all tied up with a 35-35 score.
Crunch-time between Saucon Valley and Wilson on Wednesday night.
Early in the final period, Wilson’s Aaliyah Crozier hit a short jumper to take a 37-35 lead. However, both teams had trouble scoring for the next five minutes. Perhaps it was nerves or perhaps it was just a matter of both offenses going stone-cold. Nonetheless, Katie Kramer led the Panthers with back-back buckets to give her team the lead with :56 left to play. Wilson refused to give up and knotted the score 39-39 with :28 seconds remaining. With possession of the ball, Coach Calabrese called timeout with 11.6 seconds remaining to strategize.
Just prior to play resuming as both teams were lined up and ready to go, Wilson’s Almond Goodman was whistled for a dead-ball intentional foul against the Panthers Katie Kramer. The foul put Kramer on the line for two free-throws. She made one of the two and gave Saucon a 40-39 lead. Because Goodman’s foul was ruled to be intentional, the Panthers were also awarded possession after Kramer’s foul-shots. Saucon executed a series of sideline inbound plays where Wilson was quick to foul. Finally, with 1.3 seconds remaining the Panthers reached the bonus when Brooke Riefenstahl was fouled by Ashley Errico. Riefenstahl made both shots extending the Panther lead. With time running out Wilson’s desperate bomb came up short and the Panthers held on for an intense 42-39 win.
Panther Coach Jerry Calabrese working his timeout with 11.6 remaining in the Colonial League contest with the Warriors.
Wilson was led by Gabby Vega and her 12 points. Ashley Errico added 7 for the Warriors.
Juniors Katie Kramer and Brooke Riefenstahl led the Panthers with 15 and 14 points respectively.
JV Score: Saucon Valley 35, Wilson 28 (Isabella Medei 12 pts., Grace Albano 9 pts., Ally Frace 8 pts.)
Up Next: The Lady Panthers will host Notre Dame on Friday for another Colonial League contest. JV tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with the Varsity to follow at about 6:45 p.m.
Good luck Ladies, the Source is with you!
From start to finish the Panthers played all thirty-two minutes against Wilson.
