ROSCOE, NY — If only the old hardwood could talk, what tales it would tell.

On February 25, girls varsity hoops returned to the “Coach” Fred Ahart Gymnasium, after a brief absence as the merged Livingston Manor/Roscoe Lady Wildcats battled the Lady Spartans of S.S. Seward.

In the wake of a slow start, the low-scoring game started to catch fire as the Lady Wildcats pulled to within one point at the close of the third frame. At 4:10 in the final period, Manor again shaved their opponent’s lead to a point (26-25).  

But a come-from-behind victory was not to be, as Seward outlasted the home team to post a 34-26 win.

For the fans in the stands, it was good to be back in the gym, which is named in honor of Roscoe’s legendary coach and athletic director, and to bear witness to the accomplishments of the school’s former Lady Devils hoopsters. The banners hung from the rafters above: 

Roscoe—Section IX Class D Champions (1989-1990, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2002-0003)

Livingston Manor/Roscoe–OCIAA Division VI Champions (2010-2011 undefeated)

Roscoe—WSL Champions (1975-1976, 1999-2000), OCIAA Division V Champions (2000-2001, 2001-2002 undefeated, 2002-2003).

Seward led in the first two frames (7-3, 8-5). In the third period; the Lady Wildcats staged a short rally, 15-9. In the final frame, the Lady Spartans closed the gate 10-3.

High scorers for LM/R, coached by Joe Clarke, were Grace Darder (eight points), Leah Ladenhauf (seven, including two three-pointers), Olivia Stickle (six, all three-pointers) and Anastasia Niforatos (five, including a three-pointer).

High scorers for the Spartans, coached by Joe DiMattina, were Lauren Scheuermann (11), Brook Ehlers (11) and Natalie Rodriguez (eight).

Stats from the FTL: LM/R 5/10 (50 percent) and Seward 10/17 (58 percent).