Nanticoke survives Crestwood comeback

 The Crestwood Lady Comets traveled to Nanticoke to take on the Lady Trojanettes. Both teams are on top of their respective classifications. The Comets in 5A and the Trojanettes in 4A. Who would come out on top in this Wyoming Valley Conference crossover matchup? Let's get into the game!
 The Trojanettes would start off hot at the gates as they raced to an early 6-0 lead. They were dominant on both sides of the ball in the first quarter and Nanticoke would lead 20-4 at the end of the first quarter. Their lead would build up to as high as 21 points. However, Crestwood would fight back, they would try to cut into their lead as they would cut the lead to 35-20 as we headed to halftime.
 The Lady Comets wanted to get back desperately into the game and hoped for a comeback. Crestwood's Kristen Andrews would start the quarter with a basket, Nanticoke's Katie Butczynski would hit a three pointer to increase the lead to 16. Andrea Shipton would score four straight points to cut the lead to 12. After a pair of Alyssa Lewis free throws, a Julia Makowski three pointer cut the lead down to 11. Sara Hopkins would eventually cut the lead to eight with a three pointer but the Trojanettes would increase the lead to 11 but the Lady Comets would go on a 12-2 run at the end of the third quarter to cut the Nanticoke lead to 47-46.
 After Lewis made one of two free throws to start the fourth quarter, the Comets would take their first lead of the game on a Sara Hopkins three pointer for a 49-48 lead. Sara Richards would increase the lead to 51-48 on a basket. Nanticoke would take back the lead however with two free throws each by Lisa Radziak and Lewis for a 52-51 lead. The Comets would eventually make it a one point game at 57-56 but a steal by Lewis would help set up a big three pointer by Mady Grilz to make it 60-56 with under a minute to play. Crestwood guard Sara Hopkins would cut the lead to 60-57 by making one of two free throws. Nanticoke would miss the free throw but they grabbed the offensive rebound and were fouled. However they would miss the free throw and the Comets would have the ball with 5.7 to go. Hopkins would get the ball on the inbounds pass and would go cross court and tried a three that would not fall as the Nanticoke Trojanettes took down the Crestwood Lady Comets 60-57.


Thoughts on the game: Despite the first half, it was a really good game. The Trojanettes looked incredible in the first half. They were hitting their shots and playing amazing defense. Overall, it was a great team effort by Nanticoke as eight players hit the scoresheet. For the Comets, it was a great effort in the second half getting back into the game and their last chance just came up short.