Girls basketball schedule, scoreboard for week of Dec. 22

The 2025-26 girls basketball season is underway and we'll be posting the daily schedule and results throughout the winter. Check here for updates, highlights and stories each week.

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Freshman firebrands shine late as Suffern edges Pearl River

PEARL RIVER - It might’ve seemed for a while that Suffern drew the short end of the stick, losing two of its better players after a historic run to the girls basketball section semifinals.

It was understood that a void would be created with Lottia Barnes graduating, and the Mounties would be attempting to replace an irreplaceable all-state catalyst.

But the team was stunned to learn it would also begin the season without standout Michaela Fay, who fractured her clavicle while playing soccer.

“After getting to the (Westchester) County Center for the first time (last season), we have high expectations,” senior Zoe Brodsky said, “so it was tough finding out that we were gonna be shorthanded.”

That would’ve been the proverbial coal in their stocking. But then, coal is a source of energy.

The changes prompted Suffern to promote five freshman to the varsity squad and that group, coach Rob Morgan said, has brought a youthful exuberance that has enlivened this team.

Grace Delaney sent them into the Christmas break feeling merry, sinking a tough mid-range jumper for the go-ahead basket in the fourth quarter as the Mounties surged late in a 38-32 win over rival Pearl River.

“It’s tough not having everyone here, but those are the circumstances and we have to deal with it,” said Delaney, a freshman sounding well beyond her years. “We’re a strong-minded team that’s gonna find ways to get it done.”

That applies to even the ninth-graders like Morgan Dieu, Nicolina Giannettino and Bria Gaspard, whose roles have been expanded.

Suffern blew a 13-point lead but responded in the final two minutes, avenging a blowout loss to the Pirates last January that still was grating the upperclassmen. But more importantly, Morgan said, it was the kind of win against a quality opponent that can instill confidence in a young group.

“It was really encouraging to see them pull it out, especially after (Pearl River) retook the lead,” the coach said. “We could’ve folded. That sends a message to our kids that we’re a good team. That’s important for them right now.”

Another gift for this team, perhaps, was the backloaded schedule. Fay is expected to be reevaluated in three weeks and, if all goes well, she’ll begin ramping up for an eventual return to the lineup. That would be just in time as the Mounties get into the heart of their schedule.

How it went

The Mounties had almost a two-week layoff between games after opening the season with a frustrating one-point loss to Nyack. The team practiced consistently and scouted upcoming opponents during that period, Brodsky said, but its rust showed in the miscues and missed shots during a six-point first quarter against Pearl River.

Suffern eventually found its footing in the second quarter and went to halftime up 19-14. They eventually extended that to 29-16 lead in the third quarter before the Pirates charged back.

Caitlin Dempsey scored six of her 16 points early in the fourth to lead the rally, and Shannon Orr’s three – following a teammate’s dive to retrieve a loose ball – put Pearl River up, 32-31, with 4:57 remaining.

“We were upset that we lost a big deal, but where was plenty of time left and we’ve been in this position before,” said Brodsky, whose free throw tied it a minute later. “We knew to be composed.”

Even the kids two games into her varsity career. Delaney just got her fingertips on the ball to block a 3-pointer with three minutes left, then she hit a difficult, off-balance shot to give Suffern the lead for good with 1:55 to go.

“I was trying to drive and see what my options were, then I bumped into (the defender),” the guard said of her stumbling before the 12-foot shot. “I didn’t want to get called for a travel so I knew I had to get it up.”

Nicole DeBellis ripped a defensive rebound away from an opponent, earning the Mounties another possession with 1:02 left, and Dieu capitalized with a driving layup through contact that made it 36-32.

“This was a really fun game,” said Delaney, who had 13 points and three steals. “I think it’s a testament to how we play. We’re gritty. We have some weaknesses here and there, but we’ll fight through it to get a win.”

Player of the game

Brodsky, a 5-foot-10 forward, capitalized on a height advantage against Pearl River, contesting and deterring some shots on drives into the paint and pulling down difficult rebounds. Her defense and activity under the basket were factors throughout.

The senior had 12 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks and a steal to lead Suffern.

“I’m hoping for a return to the County Center,” Brodsky said of her team possibly making another run to at least the Section 1 semifinals. We lost a big star, but I think we gained some talented young kids.”

Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.

Monday, Dec. 22

Barack Obama School at Yonkers, 4 p.m.

Brewster at Panas, 4 p.m.

Peekskill vs. East Ramapo at Spring Valley HS, 4:30 p.m.

Woodlands at Putnam Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Harrison at Rye, 4:30 p.m.

Saunders vs. Riverside at Cross Hill Academy, 4:30 p.m.

Westlake at Pleasantville, 4:30 p.m.

Yorktown at Lakeland, 4:30 p.m.

Suffern at Pearl River, 5 p.m.

Arlington at Fox Lane, 5 p.m.

John Jay-East Fishkill at Albertus Magnus, 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Clarkstown South at North Rockland, 11:30 a.m.

Suffern at Clarkstown North, 4:30 p.m.

New Rochelle at White Plains, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

No games scheduled

Thursday, Dec. 25

No games scheduled

Friday, Dec. 26

No games scheduled

Saturday, Dec. 27

No games scheduled

Sunday, Dec. 28

New Rochelle at Suffern, 11 a.m.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Suffern tops Pearl River, other girls basketball results for week of Dec. 22