LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It all came down to the last few seconds, as the Sullivan West girls’ hoopsters (2-0) managed to hand on to a razor-slim lead to defeat the Lady Eagles of Burke Catholic 28-27 in the non-league matchup on Thursday, December 19.

As the lead in the low-scoring game surged back and forth, with the Lady Eagles (0-5) up by a point (27-26) at the 43.8-second mark in the final frame, Sullivan West’s coach Pat Donovan displayed a bit of critical last-second gamesmanship by calling a time-out after Ella Herbert drilled a bucket, putting the home team up 28-27.

In the last seconds of the game, another bit of hard-earned experience on the varsity high school hardwood came into play, as Donovan called for Brook Nunnari to hold onto the ball, thus reining in her youthful energy to maintain possession under fire, a move that produced a “W” for Sullivan West.

Burke came from behind to out-score Sullivan West (8-6) in the first frame; the Lady Bulldogs rebounded in the second 13-2. In the third period, the Lady Eagles replied by out-posting Sullivan West 9-5; and in the last frame, out-shot the Lady Bulldogs 8-4. 

At the free throw line: Sullivan West was 4/4; Burke was 3/10.

Sullivan West’s top scorers included Ella Herbert (12 points including 2 three-pointers), Sam Hellerer (9 including a three-pointer) and Brook Nunnari (1 three-pointer).

Burke’s high scorers included Adrienne Marin (10), Bella Scotto (6, all three-pointers) and Gabby Filosa (5).