MONTICELLO– In a packed-to-the-walls gym at Monticello High School, the 17th Annual BCANY vs. Cancer Classic — a tournament dedicated to raising money in the fight against cancer — delivered drama until the final buzzer. As much as their uniforms allowed, every team took the floor showing support, with players across both sidelines adorned in pink, from basketball sneakers and socks to brightly colored laces, turning the gym into a visible statement of solidarity against cancer.

The Rockland Wolves girls’ team staged a hard-fought second-half comeback to narrowly defeat the Bulldogs, 41–40, in a physical, high-energy battle that never let up.

From the opening tip, it was clear neither team planned on giving an inch. Every possession felt earned. The Bulldogs struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just two three-pointers all game, while Rockland found its rhythm from deep, knocking down eight as a team — a difference that ultimately proved decisive.

The game featured body-check fouls, relentless defensive pressure, and aggressive half-court sets. Shots were contested. Lanes were clogged. Space was a luxury.

Trailing late, the Wolves mounted a determined charge in the second half, fueled by timely shooting and defensive stops. With just over a minute remaining, Rockland executed when it mattered most, sealing the one-point victory in true nail-biter fashion.

Olivia Stickle and Leah Ladenhauf led the Wolves with 11 points apiece, each draining three shots from beyond the arc. For the Bulldogs, Rozalyn Passante paced all scorers with 14 points, carrying much of the offensive load in the absence of star player Ella Herbert.

After the game, Rockland Head Coach Joe Clarke reflected on the resilience of his squad.

“I’m proud of them,” he said. “They answered some runs there when it wasn’t looking too good. They caught their wind.”

On the comeback effort, he added, “It’s been a tough season, and they could have very easily let down a bit. Credit to them for fighting. We had a couple of girls who weren’t feeling well for most of the year, so it’s been an interesting season with chemistry. I’m happy they figured it out by the end.”

When told it was a nail-biter, Coach Clarke laughed and replied, “I’ve got to check my blood pressure.”