For the first time in Storm King’s history, the girls varsity basketball team hosted the HVAL Championship game on Friday, February 23. It was an exciting and sometimes harrowing game versus Poughkeepsie’s Faith Christian Academy with the girls on both sides fighting hard for every point.

 

 

 

Senior Kakazi Kacyira tipped off giving the Cougars initial possession, but the Falcons took over quickly jumping to an early 6 – 0 lead. The Cougars managed to regain momentum which began with a free throw by junior Shania Roehrich, followed by junior Maya Buranbayev’s first of two field goals, and impressive lay-ups with the help of seniors Elizabeth Pomeroy, Bridgette Wickiser, Zay Megias and sophomore Sam McCullough. Their combined efforts allowed the girls to tie the score 9 – 9 with less than 10 minutes left on the clock before the half.

 

 

Despite the great teamwork by Storm King, solid passing and consistent rebound action brought the Falcons ahead to a 20 – 13 lead in the exciting minutes just before the halftime buzzer. In the second half, both teams turned out strong and the girls’ point-for-point battle continued with impressive play on both sides. Despite a valiant effort by the Cougars throughout the second half, the Falcons widened their lead even further at a slow and steady pace to take the championship with a final score of 44-24.

 

 

Despite the loss, the coaches were very pleased with girls’ performance and with the season overall. “Although our girls came up on the short end of the score today, we can’t say enough about their performance on the court” explained Athletic Director Joe Graziosi. “The grit, determination, and hustle were as strong as any that I have seen in my tenure here coaching 11 championship teams. These girls never stopped; never backed down; and never gave up, giving 100% effort until the final buzzer. Kudos to all of the girls and to Coaches Barbosa, Hauser, and Lance for an outstanding performance and an outstanding season.”

 

 

As the winter athletic season comes to a close, Mr. Graziosi also took the opportunity to congratulate the boys varsity team, who have been selected as the #4 seed in the New England Prep Basketball Class C Championship Tournament. Storm King will host Wooster School in the quarter final action on Wednesday, February 28, at 4:30 pm in the gymnasium. “This is an outstanding accomplishment for our boys and a great way to end a fine season. Congratulations to the team and Coaches. Let’s all plan to support them this week,” said an enthusiastic Mr. Graziosi.