Wolf Pac junior forward Giana Puckhaber delivered a game-changing performance – grabbing a career-high 22 rebounds to go with 13 points – in a 59-53 road victory over a strong Ossining team on Jan. 12. Mahopac played a solid game two days later at Rye (12-1), but fell just short in a 54-50 setback.
In the loss to Rye, the Garnets controlled the final moments in a game Pac coach Jason Conklin felt could have gone either way.
“We definitely had a chance to win it down the stretch,” he said. “It was back and forth, and we were down one with about a minute to play. But we were never able to tie it or take the lead. We missed some breakaways at bad times, and we didn’t get to the free throw line – at all – which hurt us. But Rye is one of the best in the section, and we were right there, so we feel like we’re in a good position.”
Conklin said the Pac (8-3) believes they’re on a good path to make some noise in the postseason.
“Eleven games in, we feel good,” he said. “We’ll always stick to taking it one game at a time, but we all feel like we have a chance to win the section.”
Against Rye, Puckhaber had a strong game with 10 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Niamh Kelleher added 10 points, and Mady Ford had eight.
Two days earlier at Ossining (7-4), Puckhaber’s dominance on the glass – coupled with strong performances from Fiona Kelleher (14 points), Ford (13 points) and Ashley Koch (eight points) – was too much for the Pride.
“The girls played really well,” Conklin said. “We went in prepared, and stuck to the game plan. We didn’t let Ossining get into a run-and-gun game, and we were up 15 late. It wasn’t as close as the final score.
“Puckhaber played big,” Conklin added. “She was really superb all around. And Ford had a good day, Fiona played well, and Karolina Klajbanova and Lily Holguin both helped us.”
Mahopac is set to visit Panas Friday (Jan. 23) at 6:30 p.m., and Fox Lane (Jan. 26).
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