Lady Panthers bow in Class B state qualifier

A comeback bid fell short as Newfane dropped a 40-34 decision to Salamanca in the Section VI girls basketball Class B state qualifier game this afternoon at Buffalo State.

Trailing by 11 (18-7) at the end of the first quarter and by 14 (25-11) midway through the second quarter, Newfane came battling back. The Lady Panthers closed to within two (30-28) late in the third period and to within three (35-32) early in the final quarter but could not pull even.

Makenzie Crouse and Kynleigh Wass both scored 10 and Skyla Dowdy 9 to lead Salamanca which will next face Section V champion Hornell in the Class B Far West Regional on Saturday at Buffalo State.

Anna Chunco and Sienna Bowers both scored 10 and Stephanie Chunco 8 to pace Newfane.

Stephanie Chunco scored 5 and Bowers 4 in the second period to help the Lady Panthers stay within five, 25-20 at the half.

A three and a two by Anna Chunco helped pull Newfane within two, 30-28, late in the third period. However  the Lady Warriors scored the quarter’s final five points to go back up by seven, 35-28, at the three-quarter mark.

Back-to-back baskets by Anna Chunco and Bowers pulled Newfane within three, 35-32, early in the final period but the Lady Panthers could manage just two more points the rest of the way. A 5-2 run to close proved to be enough to give the Lady Warriors the win.

Newfane advanced by defeating Health Sciences 59-38 in the Class B1 championship game while Salamanca downed Wilson 51-32 to claim the Class B2 title.