Chatham High School (N.J.) Girl’s basketball team had the game in hand until 23.5 left in the regulation. But Sparta made two free throws, and after a Cougar failed inbound pass with 9.3 to go, the Spartans recovered the ball and proceeded to drill a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the contest at 50-50.
Unfortunately for the Cougars (2-4), they got outscored 9-2 in overtime and lost 59-52 to Sparta Saturday night at home in their first day (Day 2) of the Cougar Classic.
Head coach Joe Gaba chalked up the defeat to a green team, with only three seniors on the squad, and lack of on-court leadership at the moment.
“Lack of experience; you got to be able to inbound the ball,” a dejected Gaba said. “Up five at home (with little time left), you’re expected to win the game. That’s the bottom line. Right now, we need a go-to person, that can take over in that fourth quarter when the chips are down and make the right decision. And that’s what we’re searching for.”
Things did not get off on the right foot for Chatham, as the Spartans (3-1) took a 13-7 advantage in the first period.
But the Cougars fought back to knot the game at 26-26, with junior Noel Grady dropping in 10 points, at the break.
The third quarter saw seven lead changes before Sparta went ahead by the period’s end, 37-35.
Senior Ava Paone tied the tilt at 37 all with 7:08 remaining in regulation. The Spartans retook the lead at 39-37 21 seconds later.
Paone hit a three pointer and Chatham sank two free throws give it a four-point advantage before Sparta re-claimed the lead at 44-43 with 4:39 to go in regulation.
However, the Cougars went on a 7-1 run before the Spartan’s faithful final thrilling comeback to tie the score. Then, they ultimately dribbled away with the victory.
Sophomore Lucy Arps drained a game-high 17 points, while Paone scored 14 points, and Grady chipped in with 11. Junior Shea Lane added six points for Chatham.
Sophomore Kaelyn Sabanosh led Sparta with 16 points, and senior Kayla Barreau contributed 15 points. Junior forward Brooke Shust added 14 points in the win.
The Cougars return to action against Cranford Monday at 6:15 p.m. at home in the third day of the Cougar Classic.
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