SCCC Summer League Playoffs

Manor reaches summer league zenith

Wildcats’ victory over Downsville finally unseats reigning champs

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — All summer, everyone knew it would come down to a battle between Downsville and Livingston Manor, the two top teams, each boasting a record of 6-1 prior to the playoffs. After Manor bested Liberty 36-21, and Downsville eliminated Eldred 41-23 in the semifinals, the stage was set for the finals.

Earlier this summer, Downsville narrowly edged Manor 30-29 with a strong second-half surge. Downsville won the battle of the boards, but it was clear that Manor could shoot the ball as well or better than Downsville. Manor coach Kevin Clifford knew if he could get more consistent play from his team that they could beat Downsville, a team that is young and missing many of the veterans that fueled its success over the past few seasons.

The season finale, featuring the defending summer league champion Lady Eagles of Downsville versus the up-and-coming Lady Wildcats of Livingston Manor, was a tightly fought contest with the lead seesawing back and forth. In the end, Manor did what Sullivan West was unable to do last year: contain Downsville by playing gritty defense and getting key stops.

Manor looks to be impressive in Class D this coming season with its cadre of veteran players. Of course, with the return of S.S. Seward to Class D, the goal of attaining a Section 9 title, something Manor did with regularity in the late ‘90s, is going to be a big challenge. Given the way these girls played this summer, it looks like they are up to the task.

For stories on Eldred’s win over Tri-Valley and Liberty’s win over Roscoe in the quarterfinals, along with albums of pictures from those games, visit riverreportersports.com.