YCS outlasts Chaney in 2 OT

By Greg Gulas

YOUNGSTOWN — In a game that featured 49 missed free throws, five players that fouled out, missed scoring opportunities on both sides and an additional eight minutes to decide, it was the overtime work of Rashida Strozier that spelled the difference for the Youngstown Christian Eagles.

Strozier scored 10 of her 15 points in overtime, including six in the second overtime period, as the Eagles defeated the Chaney Cowgirls, 52-49 on Thursday at the Eagles Gymnasium.

“It’s crazy the way the ball bounced tonight. Each team had their share of chances to win; both in regulation and overtime as well,” said Strozier.

“There was plenty of adrenaline on both sides the entire night. It was a total team effort for us, however and we really worked hard for this victory,” Strozier said.

“I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time in overtime, but give Chaney credit as well. They have a team full of athletes who worked hard the entire game and really, this game could have gone either way; both in regulation and in overtime,” she added.

The Eagles led just 5-3 after the first period as both teams struggled offensively; the two teams set the theme with a combined 10 missed free throws in the period including seven by the Eagles.

“We shot the ball poorly, both from the field and at the free throw line so we’re just happy to get the win,” said YCS coach Tony LaGamba.

“Give Chaney credit because their coaching staff and girls left everything on the floor. They are going to be all right the remainder of the season,” he added.

“As for Rashida, her 3-point goal in the first overtime session was the biggest shot of the night for us. She then kicked it up a notch in the second overtime and that was the difference in the game,” LaGamba said.

Kristi Cooper, who had a game-high 17 points, scored five points in the second period as Youngstown Christian opened an 18-15 lead at the intermission.

In the first half, the Eagles could connect on just 4 of 21 free throws while the Cowgirls were just 2 of 6 at the stripe.

The Eagles (4-1) then outscored the Cowgirls (1-4) by a 16-9 count in the third frame to build a 34-24, but failed to hit a field goal and could connect on just 3 of 10 free throws in the final eight minutes as the Cowgirls, on the strength of Taylor Carter’s five points, knotted the game at 37-all in regulation to force overtime.

Five points by the Cowgirls’ Chmicka Kennedy in the first overtime and four points by Strozier kept the game knotted at 44-all after the first overtime session, but the Eagles outscored Chaney, 8-5 in the second overtime, including five points by Strozier, to remain undefeated in three home outings.

“I was happy to see our bench step up after three of our players had fouled out. To battle back the way that we did and then force overtime shows me that no one quit tonight,” said Chaney coach Bernie Bohla.

“Both teams really battled all game. Their leaders came up big when they needed to while our young players, especially in the second overtime period, played with plenty of passion and emotion,” added Bohla.

“We’ll learn a lot from this game, like when we need to kick it up a notch or when we should calm down a bit,” Bohla said.