SOUTH DEERFIELD — A mighty titan from the Berkshires visited Goodnow Gymnasium on Wednesday night and while the Frontier Regional girls basketball team forced overtime, it ended up losing to Pittsfield, 55-53, in independent play.
The Generals (9-2) entered the game ranked second in the most recent MIAA Division 3 girls basketball power rankings. By contrast, the Redhawks are second in Division 4. The Redhawks (10-2) relished the opportunity to play Pittsfield.
“The girls have been talking about it in practice,” Frontier coach David Hastings said. “How much they were looking forward to playing a really good team. Our girls were really looking forward to gauging themselves to see where they are.”
There were moments when it seemed like the Generals were about to pull away in the game. Every time, Frontier had an answer to keep them close. Pittsfield is a heavy press and trapping team that creates turnovers seamlessly.
“I made a conscious effort to say before the game I was going to call a timeout if they went on a seven point run,” Hastings said. “I probably did it a couple times after a five point run. The way they play is certainly up-tempo. They turn you over. They wait for you to make mistakes. We made our fair share of mistakes. I think when our girls relaxed and calmed down and took a breath, we could break the press well enough to stay in the game.”
Skyler Steele nailed a 3-pointer with one minute, five seconds left in regulation to help force overtime. Turnovers were a problem for Frontier throughout the game. But in the big possessions, shots went up fearlessly in the face of the defensive pressure from the Generals.
“Our team is filled with good players,” Steele said. “Everyone can shoot. It’s really easy to hit those shots when everybody is such a good player. We definitely needed it. We are obviously going to be facing hard teams like this.”
Whitney Campbell hit a couple 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The second 3-pointer cut the Pittsfield lead to 49-46 with 2:46 remaining in regulation. Addie Harrington led the Redhawks with 18 points. Steele added 15 points for Frontier.
In overtime, Harper Modestow created some space in the paint after a screen for Harrington. With the space available, Harrington sent a precision pass over the defense to give Modestow an easy bucket in the paint. The play gave Frontier a 54-53 lead in overtime.
On an ensuing Frontier possession, Caprese Conyers collected a steal and scored in the open floor to give Pittsfield the lead. Conyers later went 1-for-2 from the line to help seal the game for the Generals.
Conyers scored 18 points for the Generals. Harolyn Castillo added 12 points. The biggest lead held by Pittsfield was nine points in the third quarter. Pittsfield held a 42-37 lead going into the final frame.
The Redhawks travel to Southwick to play the Rams on Friday.
Athol 45, PVCICS 16 — The Bears were victorious over the Dragons in a Tri-County North match up on the road. Athol held a 24-8 lead at halftime.
Maliah Clark led Athol (3-10, 3-4 Tri-County North) with 18 points. Serena Nkengafe and Abigayle Spooner both added seven points for the Bears.
Boys basketball
Hampden Charter 65, Turners Falls 55 — The Thunder fell at home to the Wolves in an independent match up. Jackson Cogswell scored 17 points for the Thunder (2-9).
Freilyn Abarua (11 points) and Kainen Stevens (14 points) were also in double figures for Turners Falls.
Wrestling
SICS 35, Mohawk 29 — In the road loss to the Bulldogs, the Warriors had two wrestlers pull out individual victories.
At 157 pounds, Derik Pazmino won by technical fall (18-1) over Jeramiah Johnson. Rowen Lewis also won at 215 pounds, pinning (2:54) Aiden Lopez.
Mahar 59, Belchertown 18 — The Senators had 11 winners in the win over the Orioles at Grzesik-Bixby Gymnsasium.
Daniel Briand (106), Jack Fitzgerald (113), Robert Whitehouse (126 pounds), Orion Whitehouse (132), Nikolas Fregeau (138), Elias Roberts (144), Maximus Parsons (150), Josh Mazza (157), Eujeyn Smith (165), Lucas Briand (175) and Khalil Roberts (190) all won for the Senators.
Orion Whitehouse pinned his opponent in 40 seconds.
