In a battle of the last two girls’ teams standing in Newtown Youth Basketball Association Senior League play, the Red Team built a commanding 29-11 halftime lead over the Green Machine before hanging on for a 34-29 win, in the championship contest before a packed crowd at Reed School, on March 14.

Players on the Red Team (aka KAKA — named after team captains Katelyn Zaniewski, Ava Foss, Hana Kodzodziku, and Amelia Escalera), include Emma Ehrens, Gabby Soltis, and Caitlin Briggs. Foss scored 14 of her 15 points in the first half. Soltis scored nine points, and Zaniewski added six.

Green Machine was represented by Ryann Heim-Sherwood, Madi Singlak, Amanda Stowe, Naha Nawaz, Daniya Iqbal, Penelope Warren, Brianna Pellicone, Emily Paltauf, Maddy Twitchell, and Sophia Wade. Pellicone scored 14 of her 19 points in the fourth quarter alone, including several baskets on fast-break opportunities, to lead a spirited Green Machine comeback bid.

It was running clock for three quarters, during which time the Red lineup looked to be in position to run away with the victory. The clock stopped on fouls and out of bounds plays in the final quarter and the Green girls took advantage of the extra time to pile up points. Green Machine used aggressive, turnover-causing defense to make things interesting, pulling to within 33-29 with 3:36 to play before the Red defense shut the door.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.