"Refuse To Lose," Harrisville Comeback Trips Up Hammond

#4 Katlyn Hart of Harrisville lays in 2 of her team high 24 points.
Photo by: Bob Bice

The Western division is undoubtedly one of the toughest leagues in Section X. Every game thus far in the Girls West Division has been a battle thus far. From first to last, on any given night, anyone can beat anyone. Hammond and Harrisville played Thursday night for what looked like a possible preview in to the playoffs. Both teams coming in with an 8-1 record, looking to secure the top spot in the West. Hammond opened the game with a 13-5 first quarter lead by ending the opening quarter on a 7-0 run. Harrisville had little answer for Hammond in the first half offensively. Hammond opened a ten point lead with six minutes to play and a three by Alyssa Crosby would give Hammond a 32-20 halftime lead. In the third quarter Harrisville came out a little more fired up. Even still, Harrisville had trouble defensively against Hammond and the Red Devils were able to coast to a 48-37 lead after three played. But things would soon turn around for the Lady Pirates. Harrisville, on senior night, was not about to let the Red Devils steal the show. Harrisville went on a 16-7 run in the middle of the fourth quarter sparked by three-point specialist: Katlyn Hart who hit four huge three-pointers to cut the Hammond lead down 56-55 with just 2:14 left to play in the ball game. With the clock winding down Hammond connected for four straight points to go back on top 60-55, with just 1:05 remaining in the game. But those were the last points of regulation the Lady Red Devils would score. Harrisville would finish the game on a 5-0 run, using a huge and-one play and a wide open baseline jumper for the 60-60 tie. Hammond missed three attempts in the final 30 seconds to put the game away but could not convert. Harrisville would not let Hammond have the lead back in overtime as Patty Coloney hit two huge free-throws with just 21.2 ticks left on the clock for the 67-64 lead. Hammond would call a timeout with just four seconds remaining and set up a play for a three. The lady Red Devils got the ball in to the hands of, big time player, Malynda Jenne with a shot at the buzzer then was off the mark for the tie. Harrisville took it 67-64. Katlyn Hart led the Pirates with 24 points. Patty Coloney added 16 points. Malynda Jenne led all scorers with 32 points for the Red Devils. Alyssa Crosby added 14 points for the Hammond cause.