After an exciting last home game where graduating seniors Emily Paul, Allie O’Connor, Kristin Chandler and Brenna Bachety were recognized for their hard work and leadership throughout the season, the Sayville Girls Varsity Basketball team was ready to take it to the next step, the playoffs. Ending with a league record of 10 wins and 4 losses, the girls were pumped to up their game to the next level and show everyone that what they have worked for all season was paying off at the right time.

The team’s first game was on February 16, against strong and talented Amityville. Playing on their home court, Sayville students, staff, and community members packed the bleachers to watch a well earned victory. At the end of the first half, the score was 34-22 and most came off the hands of Brenna Bachety who scored 13 of her 20 points in the first two quarters. Sayville knew that they had to defend a big offensive threat, and they did. Amityville’s Raven Price was their go-to girl all season, but was easily shut down by the powerful Sayville team. The stands were rocking as the 4th quarter buzzer sounded and Sayville had defeated Amityville with a score of 63-46. Scoring for Sayville was Brenna Bachety (20), Kristin Chandler (14), Emily Paul (12), Allie O’Connor (7), Amy Dean (7), Mia Bonacore (4), and Julia DePompeo (1).

Next, Sayville then had to travel to league rival Kings Park for a 6 o’clock match-up on Friday February 19th. Kings Park and Sayville already competed twice before their playoff game, resulting in Kings Park beating Sayville both times, although the second game Sayville took them into overtime but just couldn’t finish with a win. The girls were pumped to finally get redemption against the first seeded Kings Park, and the team wasn’t the only ones making the 40 minute drive. Many students showed their support for their friends and came out to Kings Park, along with many Kings Park fans that filled the bleachers. Fans and teams anticipating a good game by both sides, were not let down. Although Sayville did fall short to Kings Park, they fought to the end and did not give up until the buzzer went off. Sayville’s Mia Bonacore scored 8 points, and played intense defense against much of Kings Parks guards. The final score was 46-28, which ended Sayville’s season.

Although they did not reach as far as they hoped, Sayville worked hard all season and really showed all the basketball programs around the league that they were just as good as anyone. Senior guard Kristin Chandler had an amazing season on both the offensive and defensive sides of the game, and she will graduate and continue her studies at Wake Forest University. Point guard Emily Paul led the team to many victories throughout the season, and her poise and ball handling skills will definitely be missed on the court at Sayville. Emily is still deciding on which school she will be attending in the fall deciding between James Madison University, Stony Brook University and two SUNY schools. Senior forward Allie O’Connor and her intensity and positive attitude helped the team when they needed it throughout the season. Allie will be attending Iona College in the fall. Finally, Brenna Bachety and her talented offensive skills led the team to many much needed victories on the court. Brenna is deciding between East Carolina University and University of South Carolina to attend in the fall. Congratulations to the rest of the team and coaches on a well played season and good luck next year.