Binghamton pushes Athens in final

Team members are pictured here moments after the championship game. Front, left to right, are: Nick Corino, Luke Meier, Lucas Davy, Chloe Brauer and Gracie Jensen. Back, left to right, are: Brendan Burtis, Sawyer Farrell, Casey Walsh, Nick Levis, Austin Becker-Harris and Ava McCann.

Playing in their sixth game in three days, the 3rd- and 4th-graders representing Binghamton in the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club basketball tournament outplayed a tough Athens team in the tourney championship Sunday evening for two-and-a-half quarters before Athens took control and won it, 50-35.

After struggling through a Sunday afternoon 22-18 come-from-behind semi-final win over Newark Valley, Binghamton found itself in a quick 4-0 hole against the experienced Athens team. After a quick timeout, Binghamton reeled off 10 straight points, using a balanced attack, to lead 10-4 late in the first quarter.

Binghamton (the tournament's No. 2 seed) maintained its lead, even building it to 17-8 at one point in the second quarter. Binghamton led 23-18 at halftime.

In the second half, though, No. 1-seeded Athens' depth and experience showed, as they took the lead around the midway point of the third quarter. Athens led 35-29 after three quarters.

Binghamton ended the tournament with a 4-2 record. Athens went 6-0.

In the earlier Sunday game against Newark Valley, Binghamton was pushed to the limit in the 22-18 victory to reach the final. Binghamton trailed throughout the first half before tying it 11-11 at halftime, then faced deficits of 14-11, 16-13 and 18-15.

A Luke Meier 3-point field goal got it tied at 18 apiece, then Austin Becker-Harris took control of the scoreboard, making a field goal to put Binghamton ahead 20-18, followed by his two free throws at about the 2-minute mark for the final margin. Becker-Harris and Meier each had a team-high 8 points, while Becker-Harris had a team-high 13 rebounds. Casey Walsh added 11 boards for Binghamton, with Nick Corino scoring 6, getting 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Also, between the third and fourth quarters, the Binghamton players were challenged to step up defensively, reminded that in the team's first meeting with Newark Valley (a 28-18 win), Binghamton put together a pivotal 12-4 second quarter. In Sunday's contest, Binghamton responded with the game on the line, outscoring Newark Valley in the fourth quarter 9-2.

Thanks to all the players and their families for a busy, fun weekend.
-SJ

Tournament Semifinal
Binghamton 22, Newark Valley 18
Binghamton.............4 - 7 - 2 - 9 -- 22
Newark Valley........4 - 7 - 5 - 2 -- 18

Stats:
* Austin Becker-Harris - 8 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Luke Meier - 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals (1-for-2 on free throws) (one 3-pointer)
* Nick Corino - 6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 11 rebounds (0-for-3 on free throws)
* Nick Levis - 7 rebounds, 2 steals
* Sawyer Farrell - 4 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Brendan Burtis - 3 rebounds, 1 block
* Binghamton free throws - 3-for-11
* Newark Valley free throws - 2-for-11

Tournament Championship
Athens 50, Binghamton 35
Binghamton...........10 - 13 - 6 - 6 -- 35
Athens..................6 - 12 - 17 - 15 -- 50

Stats:
* Casey Walsh - 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
* Luke Meier - 11 points, 1 steal (1-for-3 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals
* Nick Corino - 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals
* Nick Levis - 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Sawyer Farrell - 4 rebounds
* Gracie Jensen - 1 rebound
* Ava McCann - 1 rebound
* Chloe Brauer - 1 rebound
* Brendan Burtis - 1 steal
* Binghamton free throws - 1-for-5
* Athens free throws - 8-for-16