The competitors have lost only one game combined all year. One team won regionals just a year ago. Elba and Sherman clash to reach the state semifinal. Here’s the breakdown:
ELBA LANCERS (22-0 / Genesee)
vs.
SHERMAN WILDCATS (21-1 / Chautauqua-Cattaraugus – Division II)
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.
How they arrived here: Elba received a first-round bye before defeating No. 8 Avoca-Prattsburgh (71-36) and No. 4 Notre Dame Batavia (52-36). The Lancers beat No. 2 Fillmore 54-36 in the Class D title game. Sherman took down No. 5 Clymer (50-11) and defending champion No. 3 Panama (45-41) on its run to regionals.
Scoring offense: Elba (64.1), Sherman (59.6)
Scoring defense: Elba (38.9), Sherman (30.7)
Trends: Elba hasn’t lost since the 2023-24 state tournament, accumulating 22 consecutive wins this year. The Lancers’ only win by a single-digit margin of victory all season was on Jan. 31 versus York (69-60). Sherman has won its last 15. Eight of those wins were by 20 or more. The Wildcats’ lone loss was on Dec. 28 against Cassadaga Valley (73-55).
Players to watch for Elba: Sydney Reilly Sr. 19 PPG, six RPG, five APG; Mariah Ognibene Sr. 10 PPG, five RPG, one BPG; Lydia Ross Jr. 10 PPG, four RPG, four SPG; Brea Smith 11 PPG, seven RPG; Maddie Hall Sr. five PPG, three RPG, two SPG.
Sherman: Kelsey Wagner Sr. 15.4 PPG, 2.7 SPG; Emmersen Crawford Fr. 11.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.9 SPG; Teagan Gratto Sr. 9.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.5 SPG; Baya Oehlbeck Fr. 9.2 PPG, 1.9 SPG; Carlie Gable So. 4.9 PPG, 2.7 RBG, 1.3 SPG.
Coaches: Charlie Pangrazio (Elba), Emily Eckwahl (Sherman)
History 101: Elba is making its second straight and seventh regional appearance since 2005. The Lancers are 2-4 over that stretch including a 53-37 win over Clymer in 2012 on the way to a state title. Elba beat Panama, 58-57 in last year’s state quarterfinal. Sherman is making its eighth regional appearance since 2002 and second in four years having beaten Notre Dame-Batavia 35-29 in 2022. Sherman is 2-5 in state quarterfinal games during that time.
What’s at stake: The winner advances to face either Northville (II) or Eldred (IX) in the state semifinals.
Good luck Lady Wildcats !!! What a GREAT season so far…Play your best and “Leave it all on the Floor”….what terrifical players , coaches and community support !! 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀