By PAUL GOTHAM
TROY, N.Y. — In the end, strength turned into weakness.
For the first 16 minutes of Saturday’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class B championship game at Edward F. McDonough Health and Physical Education and Recreation Complex on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, Hornell girls’ basketball ran the floor, spread the ball around and took advantage of nearly every opportunity presented.
The Red Raiders led by as many as 17 points and took a 29-16 lead into halftime.
Then with 1:09 remaining, Jim Dagon’s squad faced its first deficit of the game. Fatigue had become an adversary, and the Red Raiders never regained the lead in a 54-50 loss to Cold Spring Harbor (VIII).
“It’s an uncomfortable place to be for the first time,” the third-year coach said. “It got close, and it showed that it was our first time, today.”
Jordyn Dyring scored 11 of her 16 points in the first half, and Friday’s leader, Raegan Evingham added six as the Red Raiders took command early.
“We had high hopes,” Dagon said. “We played our hearts out. Everyone is exhausted right now.”
Hornell took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, and Evingham fed A’jonay Hawkins in the post for a drop step and a 44-32 lead.
But Cold Spring Harbor’s Ryan Reynolds connected on four 3-pointers before fouling out of the game. The fourth of which cut the deficit to two at 48-46 with less than four minutes remaining in the game.
“Win or lose, being with this group, today was probably the best day of my life,” Dagon said. “This weekend was awesome. I’m happy no matter what the result is. It’s not the one we wanted on the scoreboard, but just being here with this group is super, super-special to me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Selena Maldanado tracks down a long rebound and leads Jordyn Dyring into the open court for a layup. Hornell 8 Cold Spring Harbor 1 @SecVGBasketball pic.twitter.com/4Qx2GIgeQF
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 22, 2025
Selena Maldonado, on the break, finds Jordyn Dyring. All twine. Hornell 29-13. pic.twitter.com/QCMgS21Lts
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 22, 2025
Mia Nasca moves the defense with a ball fake and then buries a 3. pic.twitter.com/iVcYm8Yiac
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 22, 2025
A’jonay Hawkins converts a rebound and putback. Heading to the 4th: Hornell 42 Cold Spring Harbor 32 @SecVGBasketball pic.twitter.com/iQL4JS16VQ
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) March 22, 2025
Ainsley Dircks hit a baseline runner to tie the game at 48 with 1:51 remaining.
Olivia Mulada finished a layup for the go-ahead basket with :21 left on the clock.
Mulada led the Seahawks (23-2) with 16 points. Reynolds had 14. Dircks scored seven. Eloise Rice grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds and accounted for four points.
“It was a great team of girls who get to celebrate,” Dagon said of Cold Spring Harbor. “Happy for them. Happy for my girls. Wish it went the other way, but it’s not how it worked out.”
Evingham led Hornell (22-4) with 11 rebounds to go with six points. Mia Nasca score nine. Selena Maldonado had eight points. Hawkins added six points off the bench. Payton Bentley, who was limited because of early foul trouble, scored five points.
“Off-season starts tomorrow,” Dagon said. “I know that’s the girls’ attitudes.”
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