Game 1: 

Sullivan West Bulldogs vs Tri-Valley Bears

LIVINGSTON MANOR – Something about the cold Sullivan County weather seems to bring out the charitable nature in people, at least all the basketball lovers anyway. Last month, it was the Fred Ahart tournament. Last weekend, it was the Audra Sipple Spath Scholarship Girls Varsity Basketball Tournament. The tournament supports a fund that provides college scholarships to Rockland Central Seniors who meet the criteria.

The tournament began with two games on Friday night at the Rockland high school gym, followed by the Consolation and Championship game on Saturday morning and afternoon. 

The first game on Friday saw the Sullivan West Bulldogs face off against the Tri-Valley Bears. The game got off to a slow start as neither team could find the hoop. Made baskets were at a premium, and the first period ended with Sullivan West leading 3–0.

Tri-Valley’s offense warmed up in the second quarter, outscoring Sullivan West 11-7 to take an 11–10 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

Both teams came out for the third quarter with more intensity on both sides of the ball. It became quite the physical battle with girls diving on the floor for loose balls and getting into scrums over contested balls. At the end of the third period, the Bulldogs had retaken a 27–25 lead.

With 1:11 remaining and the game tied at 34, Sullivan West called a timeout, and Coach Pat Donovan drew up a play for his talented center, Ella Herbert. She delivered with a left-handed drive to the hoop, scoring the basket that put the Bulldogs up for good.

On the ensuing possession, Sullivan West’s defense held, and the Bears had to foul to get the ball back, sending Sammy Hellerer to the line.  She swished both free throws to seal the 38 – 34 win for the Bulldogs. 

Meghan Kelly was the leading scorer with 14 points for the 7–2 Bulldogs. Addison Dymond led the 2–4 Bears with 12 points.  

Game 2: 

Rockland Wolves vs. 

Fallsburg Comets

The second game featured the Fallsburg Comets against the hometown Rockland Wolves. Despite facing challenges on offense, both teams showed remarkable dedication and passion and worked hard on the court.

The first period ended with Fallsburg holding a 10-5 lead, quite an achievement given the Comets were missing their starting center and leading scorer. 

Both teams suffered multiple turnovers during the first half, but Fallsburg still held a  12–9 lead at the half.

At the end of the third period, Fallsburg remained ahead 25–17, as both teams struggled with their shooting, especially from the foul line. The physicality of the game led to several fouls being called.

As the fourth period progressed, Rockland began making their foul shots and started taking advantage of their ball pressure defense and superior rebounding. With 4:37 remaining in the game, the Wolves had pulled ahead. Both teams went to the free-throw line as defensive pressure resulted in foul calls.

The Wolves outscored Fallsburg 11-2 in the fourth quarter to prevail 28–27. Anastasia Niforatos led Rockland with steals and points, with 8. Joslyn Smith led the Comets with 11 points.