Girls basketball beats Cypress on a buzzer-beater, advances to quarter-finals

On Feb. 16 the girls basketball team beat Cypress on a buzzer-beater, 66-64. This sets up a home quarter-finals matchup against La Salle.

The game was a tight game throughout, with the Coyotes losing by one at halftime. With about two minutes left in the game, sophomore Erin Topacio hit a three to give the Coyotes a four-point lead. Cyprus then was able to close that lead and make it a tie game with thirty seconds left. 

With nine seconds remaining, head coach Jena Laolagi drew up a play that would give the ball to Lia Hendelman, who would then find the open player. Cyprus was full court pressing which made it difficult to find Hendelman on the inbounds pass. After the ball got in Hendelman’s hands she found freshman Jocelyn Townsend, who scored the game-winning shot. 

“Our goal is the championship and we think we can get there by playing as a team,” said Hendelman.  

Sophomore Maddy Tauro led the team in scoring with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. Hendelman had a near double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. 

The Coyotes will be at home on Feb. 19 against La Salle.