Pink Panthers Edge Bears For Junior Girls Crown

The Pink Panthers fought and clawed their way to the Newtown Youth Basketball Association’s Junior girls’ championship Game as the number No. 3 seed, and beat Da Bears 25-23 in the title game on March 19. The Pink Panthers were led by All-Star eighth-graders Ashley Marks who contributed 3 assists, 5 rebounds, and two steals, and Sportsman of the Year winner Eliza Eggleston, who had an assist, four rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks; and seventh-grade All-Star Amy Talbot, who had five steals and 7 rebounds.

The Panthers ran the floor and passed the ball in transition with grace, demonstrating tremendous court vision and finding the open shot in a grueling defensive battle. Defensive stars Julia Scarangella, 2 points, 4 steals, 3 rebounds; Abbie Kohler 9 rebounds, a steal, and 5 blocks; Marissa Thill, 3 steals, a rebound and 4 assists; and Jaime Fellin 3 seals and an assist, were all over the court controlling the mighty back court of Lindsey Hoyt and Madeline Perone from Da Bears. Courtney DeMeglio had 2 assists and played solid defense, and Callie Peterson pulled down 4 rebound, a steal, an assist, and 3 blocks. Rachel Williams had 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks and controlled the play down low.

Neither team led by more than six points in this tight contest. Eggleston scored six fourth-quarter fast-break points. Callie Peterson, Williams, Scarangella, Thill, and Fellin all collapsed on an opposing shooter with one second left to block then secure the steal as time ran out. It marked Coach Gino Scarangella’s second championship of the day as he had also guided the fifth-graders to victory.