STAC GIRLS' BASKETBALL: TAFT HITS GO-AHEAD THREE IN FINAL SECONDS AS ELMIRA TOPS VESTAL (2025-02-01)

Southern Tier Sports Report
ELMIRA — It was senior night and Addison Taft made it a special one as the Express senior hit a go-ahead three with 4.1 seconds left to lift Elmira past Vestal 42-38.

“A big shot by Sonny (Addison),” Elmira coach A’Don Allen said. “She’s a gamer and never loses her confidence and that’s a big shot to lift us to a win on senior day.

“The last couple games we’ve had a little bit of adversity with illnesses and injuries and some kids who are coming off the bench are doing some really big things for us. Zhamir Harris, Lyv Heath and Miley Baker have really come through for us the last few games, which is great as we head to sectionals.”

For Taft it was a special moment on a special day.

“It’s so special to hit a shot like that, especially on senior day because the emotions are high and the game was intense so to finish off the game with a winning shot was awesome.”

It was the first time Taft has hit a shot like that and it came on a very emotional day.

“I haven’t hit a shot like that before and I knew that we needed to score in the moment, so to execute at the right time was great.

“Today was very bittersweet for all of us seniors and we’re thankful for the underclassmen and parents who made today very enjoyable.”

As the Express start to get a big healthier players made big plays on Saturday.

“Alyvia Woodruff played realy well for us today after missing Monday’s game with an illness. Big shot after big shot today and great defense.

“Exciting to see our seniors get a win on senior night. It’s always an emotional day, but we wanted to celebrate our six seniors for a fine career and we’re happy they got a win on senior day.”

Elmira jumped out to a 20-10 lead at the half, but Vestal outscored the Express 14-4 in the third to tie the game entering the fourth. In the fourth quarter Harris, Woodruff and Taft each hit threes and the Express went 9-for-12 from the free throw line in the quarter.

Woodruff had 15 points in the game, with three threes. She had six points in the opening quarter.

Mariah Matias had nine points, going 6-for-8 from the line in the ofurth and Taft had five points, while Heath had four points.

Ashaya Wallace and Baker had two points apiece.

Breanne Eldred had 14 points for Vestal, 12 in the second half.
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STSR FILE PHOTO.


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