Dalton Girls Varsity Basketball Team Earn First Ever NYSAIS Championship
The Girls Varsity Basketball team won its first-ever NYSAIS Championship Dalton School history, in addition to the 5th NYSAIS title in history.
The team was focused and energized on Sunday evening when they arrived at Fieldston for the NYSAIS finals. The road to the championship was not easy, but they pulled together and successfully defeated each team they encountered. Dalton entered the postseason with an 18-2 record, eager to make it to the final game of the year.
In the first round of the playoffs, the girls faced Little Red Elizabeth Irwin. The Tigers pulled ahead early and never looked back.
They began to focus on their next game against Horace Mann. In a back and forth game, the Tigers appeared to take the lead in the 4th quarter, and the momentum swung in their direction, but the Horace Mann Lions were not giving up easily. They hit a few key baskets and forced the game into overtime. Dalton scored the first 7 points of overtime to assure victory.
Hackley proved to be a tough match for the Tigers in the semi-finals. The opponent started the game strong, scoring on most of their offensive possessions. Dalton lagged a step back on each play. The Tigers entered the second half down 12 points but were determined to make a run. The Tigers scored 26 points in the 3rd quarter, and the momentum swung in their favor. The Tigers used that momentum to earn a win and advance to the Finals of the NYSAIS tournament.
The Sunday finals brought a challenge that the team was ready to meet. The only two losses they had this season were against Poly Prep, who they had faced earlier in the semi-finals. Dalton entered the game with a renewed confidence and determination to WIN! They took the lead early and then Poly pushed back. The lead changed many times, but the 4th quarter was all Dalton's. The Tigers outscored Poly Prep 14-2 in the 4th quarter giving up just two foul shots to Poly Prep.
Story and photo provided by Assistant Athletics Director and Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, Mandy Cecil.