NYSPHSAA champ Irvington (25-1) vs. CHSAA champ St. Mary’s of Lancaster (17-11)
When: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Glens Falls Civic Center
Key players: Irvington—Tara Gabelman (5-10), Sr., F; Riley Harrington (5-3), Sr., PG; Lisa Bucci (5-4), Sr., G; Kelly O’Donnell (5-6), Jr., F; Marley Giddins (5-10), Soph., F/G; Alexis
Martins (5-11), Fr., F.
St. Mary’s—Raeann Stilwell (5-3), Jr., G; Vica Fontana (5-1), Jr. G.
Outlook: Irvington will be chasing its first Federation title since 1990. St. Mary’s is playing in its first Federation tournament. The Lancers are a team that loves to press, run and send the ball back out for 3-pointers. That’s the way St. Mary’s compensates for its height disadvantage. Their tallest starter is about 5-7. The Bulldogs may have more height in general, but they will have to have watch out for the speedy Stilwell, who lit up PSAL champ Goldstein High for the Sciences for 38, including four 3s, in Friday’s 63-44 semifinal victory. “The mark of a truly great player is someone who can step up at the biggest moments,” St. Mary’s coach Keith Junik said. “She kind of put the team on her back and put them away down the stretch. … At the end of the first quarter, she had half our points and they were both on NBA 3-point shots. She’s got the green light from anywhere.”
Brian Heyman
