Marina Mustangs come from behind to claim championship

These seventh-graders have a lot to celebrate. Starting from back, left to right: Coach Saufferer, Kassidy De Lapp, Jackie Mahon, Alexa Ray, Erin Dwyer, Brittnay Belanger, Sydney Crozier, Mairenn Atkinson, Aubrielle Martin, Kristen Hoffman, Cameron Kirtlan, Maria Dutton and Skyelin Lamy. Courtesy photo

The Marina Village Middle School Mustangs seventh- and eighth-grade girls’ basketball teams coached by Terry Saufferer finished off their winning season in championship form before a sold out crowd at Rolling Hills last month.

The seventh-grade Mustangs came into the tournament the second seed behind the undefeated Folsom Jaguars. Marina first had to beat the Sutter Cougars before advancing to the championship game, which was everything a championship game should be — plenty of lead changes, crucial made baskets, and defensive stops that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

With the game tied, and 1:15 left to play, Skyelin Lamy hit a 15-foot jump shot from the left wing that put the crowd into frenzy and Marina up by two, 46-44. Folsom’s next possession resulted in a turnover. With less than a minute to play Kristen Hoffman hit a wide open jump shot extending the Mustang’s lead 48-45.  Folsom had a chance to cut Marina’s lead to within one with 8.3 seconds left as they went to the free throw line. Folsom made one of two free throws in the final seconds.

The horn sounded, the seventh-grade Marina Mustangs rallied to be the Jaguars, 48-46.

Short URL: http://www.villagelife.com/?p=17933

Posted by Special to Village Life on Feb 26 2012.
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