By Brian FeesSouthern Tier Sports Report
WATKINS GLEN. —— As the ball left her hands Char Starns started running back down the court, hand in the air, tongue out knowing the three-point shot was about to go through the net.
Starns scored 12 straight points in the fourth-quarter, including the 1,000th point of her career during the stretch, to lead Corning to a 58-48 win over Elmira to claim the Section IV, Class AAA Championship.
“This is probably the most exciting moment of my life,” Starns said. “WE have been trying to get this since my freshman year and I’m so proud of these girls. They are my best friends.”
The 12 point run by Starns was back-to-back threes, followed by a three-point play, and another three.
For the Corning junior she was just focused on the moment.
“There was nothing on my mind except that basketball,” Starns aid. “I couldn’t hear a single person in the crowd. I didn’t even know where I was.”
As she celebrated that second three she knew that all of her work was paying off.
“I knew it was going in,” she said. “We have been working so hard this whole season, especially the last few weeks. So much shooting, so many drills. It was the best feeling. I knew it was in.”
Starns had 33 points on the night, recording a double-double. She also blocked five shots. She scored 15 points in the final quarter.
Elmira led 12-11 after one quarter, before Corning went up 25-23 at the half. It was 35-32 after three quarters, before the Hawks scored 23 fourth-quarter points to seal the win.
“I’m so proud of her,” Corning coach Jillian Wood said of Starns. “She steps up the most anytime we need anyboyd. She’s the one who says give me the ball. She did exactly what we needed her to do and she did it right in the right moment.”
Starns needed 28 points going in to reach 1,000 for her career, and she got the total in that fourth quarter.
“I didn’t even know,” Starns said of getting her 1,000th. “Then they (her teammates) ran out to me, I screamed what. I needed 28 coming in. I honestly didn’t think I was going to get it. I thought I was going to have to wait until next year, but it’s even better. It’s such a surprise. I’m at a loss of words.”
There were some turnovers that plagued the Hawks in the game, but they were able to clean them up and close out the win.
“We just told them to slow down,” Wood said. “Just get the ball over half court and just do what you have done all season.”
Evelyn Starns had 11 for Corning, and for Char it was special to share the moment with her sister.
“It’s her last year and we have been wanting this for who knows how long and I’m just happy to have her,” Char said.
Now, it’s onto states for Corning who will take on the Section II runner-up at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, march 15.
“First time for me (going to states),” Char Starns said. “I’m so excited, so grateful to be around these amazing people.”
Deanna Shaddock had eight points for the Hawks and Kennedy Driscoll finished with four points, while Aubrey Rose had two points.
Kayvonna King had 11 points for Elmira and Meya Smith finished with eight points.
Tamiah Brown, Avery McCauley, Ava Roberts and Zhamir Harris all had six points for the Express, while Mariah Mathias finished with five points.
“First and foremost, congratulations to coach Wood, coach Starns and the Corning team,” Elmira coach A’Don Allen said. “They played veyr well and earned the championship. I am extremely proud of the effort and fight our girls showed tonight and throughout the season. While we came up short in the fourth quarter, the team competed hard and represented Elmira with great pride. We didn’t make quite enough shots in that last quarter and they did and there was your difference.
“I would also like to recognize our seniors — Zhamir Harris, Lizzie Hunter and Zy Cade — for their tremendous contributions to the program. Their leadership and commitment have meant a great deal to our team and they will certainly be missed.”
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE GAME
