(Photo from Cortland Voice photo archives).
This past Friday, December 13th, the Cortland varsity girls basketball team suffered their first loss of the season against Jamesville-Dewitt (33-58).
Before their loss against the Red Rams on Friday, the Lady Tigers were a 4-0 overall.
"The Cortland girls gave a valiant effort on Friday night versus one of the best teams in the state," said Cortland head coach Nolan Sinclair. "We battled hard all night long. We were down eight at the half and that was with two of our senior leaders in foul trouble and missing large stretches of the first half. The effort the girls showed tonight was outstanding, and the definition of why I truly enjoy coaching this team. They played with a confidence that is going to lead to many successes this season."
With the Red Rams exploding on offense and applying high defensive pressure, the Purple Tigers trailed 23-15 at halftime.
“Jamesville-Dewitt is relentless in their pressure defense and for the most part I feel we handled it very well,” stated coach Sinclair. “Shyanne Lewis was outstanding tonight. At times she was a one-girl press break and was the engine that drove our team.”
Lewis led the Tigers in scoring with a total of 11-points to go along with her two rebounds and three steals. Following Lewis was Kaitlyn Pratt with a total of eight points, four rebounds and one steal.
“In the second half we still played with that tenacious defensive intensity, but JD hit some big shots late in the shot clock to extend their lead," coach Sinclair stated. "In the end the girls shouldn't hang their heads. They gave it their all and it showed. This game, even the loss, is going to prepare us for big games in the future.”
Up next, the Lady Tigers will be looking to recover from this tough loss against the Red Rams by traveling to face Skaneateles on Tuesday, December 17th, 2019. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
