ELDRED, NY — In their initial matchup of this season’s game of hoops, the home team Lady Yellowjackets defeated the Lady Wildcats of Livingston Manor/Roscoe 52-22 in the first league contest for both squads on January 4.

The visitors were outpaced by Eldred in all four frames: 11-4, 13-7, 14-7 and 14-4 on the way to a 30-point victory.

Leading scorers for Eldred (4-4) were Olivia Gonzalez (15 points); Sydney Furler (11, including a three-pointer); Rayanna Quintana (9, including a three-pointer); Regan Kizer (7, including a three-pointer); Avery Moscatiello (6); and Marissa Gochenour (4).

Leading scorers for Manor (1-6) were Sarah Evans (8), Athena Niforatos (4), Zaylee Cox (3) and Hailey Sheehan (a three-pointer).

Maggie Fitzpatrick, helmswoman of the combined Livingston Manor/Roscoe girls’ varsity basketball team, said “We didn’t play our best defense today, and if you don’t play defense, you can’t win.”

In citing the play of two bucketeers, Coach Fitzpatrick said, “Sarah Evans stepped up today and got to the foul line,” and of Athena Niforatos, “She’s our engine, always pushing the pace.”

Looking ahead to their next outing, Coach Fitzpatrick said, “We’ll be more patient, and use the clock to our advantage.” 

Summing up the game, June Hallock, coach of the Lady Yellowjackets, said, “My girls have worked very hard the last couple of weeks… I’m very proud of my ‘Mighty Six’, and they came together tonight.”

While this sports scribbler was sitting in the bleachers under the glass, Becky Ahart, wife of New York State Basketball Hall of Famer Fred Ahart, briefly shared her thoughts on Eldred’s “Mighty Six” coach, “She’s not doing too bad with six kids.”

Fred Ahart’s memory lives on with the Coach Fred Ahart Foundation, a charitable organization established by his family.

In the postgame interview, Coach Hallock replied to this sentiment, “It’s an honor from her on how well my six are playing.”