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To paraphrase an oft used phrase: "It's a great day to be a Dark Horse."

The seventh-seeded HCS girls basketball team made that statement so true Saturday afternoon beating top seed New York Mills 40-30 to capture the Section III Class D title. Hamilton won the title by beating three teams that had bedeviled the Lady Emerald Knights during the regular season: Oriskany, Rome Catholic and New York Mills.

HCS now faces the champs of Section IV at a site, and on a day yet to be announced.

The win, according to HCS Athletic Director Bill Dowsland, is the first ever sectional championship for an HCS girls basketball team since the sport has been played here. And, it is the first girls sectional championship since Dowsland's 2004 softball team won.

Going into the sectionals second-year head Coach Jessica Pool told her team that they were the dark horses in the post-season. They had had a credible season but nothing compared the perfect mark the 2008-2009 team going into last year's sectional The Lady Emerald Knights had struggled during the regular season with several of the teams they would face.

After Saturday's win, an ebullient Poole said last year's team came into the sectionals with bulls eyes on their jerseys. Everyone was looking to end the team's perfect record, and Sacket's Harbor did.

Hamilton got off to a middling start, trailing New York Mills 10-4 at the end of the first period. But, the start of the second period also marked the beginning of the Lady Emerald Knights' turnaround.   

Mills had possession to start the second period. Their first trip down the court, Jordan Peterson blocked a shot. Hamilton raced down to the opposite end and Peterson hit a quick three-pointer. On Mills' next possession, they turned over the ball again and this time senior forward Hillary Hanson hit for two. Mills gave the ball back on a traveling call and Peterson converted on a layup and it was suddenly Hamilton on top 11-10.

The Marauders continued to struggle and Hamilton continued to hit key buckets. Katherine Keever hit a three and added two more to help move Hamilton into a 20-16 halftime lead. But, more than taking away Mills' lead, Hamilton's difficult defense also stole the momentum.

At the break, Peterson had nine points and Keever had five.

Mills began the second half in a man-to-man press. But, the Lady Knights stayed steady and methodically widened their lead to 30-19. And, as Hamilton became stronger with each possession, Mills continued to struggle; on one mid-period possession, they forced a turnover only to have it negated by a traveling call.

But, the Marauders did not play themselves out of the game. They managed to take advantage of a brief HCS letdown and made it 30-25 as the fourth period started.

Both teams had to contend with foul problems, and foul shooting issues as well as the period progressed. By the 1:15 mark, the score was 34-30, and Mills had to foul Hamilton to get the ball back. The Lady Knights mad a few of the foul shots and had a couple of timely putbacks for buckets.

The seconds ticked away between fouls and Hamilton had moved up to the final 40-30 when the final buzzer blew.

Poole, who was fortunate to have a deep bench all year (and used it) stuck with her starting five, and they delivered.

Peterson posted another of her double/double performances. She ended the game with 19 points and 16 rebounds. She added four steals and three blocks.

Keever, who had easily her best game of the season when it counted most, added nine points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Katie Weeks and Hanson each had six points. Hanson added seven rebounds and three blocks.

Hanson's performance earned the senior a spot on the all tournament team. Peterson was named the most valuable player of the playoffs.

Comments(3):

1. Section III champs!

   Congratulations to the Lady Knights! Well played!

   Sunday, March 07, 2010 Lisa

2. Girls Hoops

   Great job ladies. You represent our school well. Best wishes in the next game.

   Sunday, March 07, 2010 Linda

3. Section Champs!

   Congratulations to my niece Hillary and all her teammates! You have many fans in Minnesota rooting for you! Good luck!

   Monday, March 08, 2010 Tricia