Mahopac girls coach Jason Conklin has talked depth and defense all season, and so far the combination continues to pay dividends for the Wolf Pac, who rolled past Hen Hud, 51-39, in the first round of their own holiday tournament last week, Dec. 29, before denying Arlington, 46-44, on a Mady Ford buzzer-beater a night later in the championship game.
Mahopac (7-1) led 20-17 at halftime in that championship-round matchup, with senior Ashley Koch’s 15 points leading the Pac. Giana Puckhaber added 10, Ford finished with nine, and Karolina Klajbanova had eight points.
Ford was named tournament MVP, with Koch taking all-tournament accolades.
“It was definitely a game of runs,” Conklin said of the title tilt. “We settled in early, but they kept coming back, and in the last three minutes or so, they tied it. But the girls didn’t back down, they kept answering, and with three seconds left Mady scored to break the tie.
“We faced adversity and kept our foot on the gas,” Conklin added. “We dug in defensively and converted when we needed it.”
Against Hen Hud a night earlier, Ford delivered 19 points and four assists, with Puckhaber adding 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Niamh Kelleher had eight points to go with four assists, and Fiona Kelleher added seven points, three assists and a pair of steals.
“Ford played really well in both games,” Conklin said. “And Koch has really been coming into form, which is huge for us. Puckhaber continues to do so many things. Both Kellehers have also been stepping up. I was really happy with both games. We’re on a nice streak going into the new year, and we hope to continue it.”
Mahopac was set to visit Ossining on Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Rye on Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
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