5th Grade Girls Are Big Winners!

Team Picture: Left to Right (Photo by Glenn Pokraka)  Front Row: Alex Provost, Emily Freedman, Hannah Burgess  Middle Row: Leann Pokraka, Ruth Fuller, Taylor Burtis, Jenny Rose DiCecco  Back Row: Taylor Miller, Coach Ken Freedman, Taylor Baker, Tess Pimental
The Falmouth 5th grade girls recently completed a very successful first year in the Cape Cod Travel League. The girls concluded the regular season in first place with a strong 11 wins and 4 loss record. They received a bye in the first round of the playoffs for their accomplishment. In the semifinals, they beat Sandwich to advance to the finals this past Sunday against Berkley in Bourne.

It was a classic matchup with the top two teams boasting the best defense (Berkley) and offense (Falmouth) during the regular season. Berkley finished the season just a game behind Falmouth during the season and while Falmouth won 2 out of 3 of the regular season games Berkley beat Falmouth 21-18 in their last meeting.

There was a good crowd on hand and Falmouth broke out to an early 10-2 lead. Berkley hung tough and went on a 16-2 run that allowed them to bring a 6 point lead into half time. After the break, Berkley quickly stretched the lead to double digits and the Falmouth crowd was becoming nervous. Still down by 6 points with about 2 minutes left in the game, Falmouth put on a full court press that Berkley could not break. After a number of turnovers and a key baskets from Tess Pimental and Hannah Carl, Falmouth tied the score and sent the game into overtime.

The two-minute overtime was played at the same frantic pace as the last two minutes of the game. Berkley got to the line twice and converted 2 free thows to offset another basket by Pimental and the game was still tied as the clock wound down. With seconds left, Emily Freedman drove to the hoop and was fouled. Only one second showed on the clock as she stepped to the line. After rimming out the first free throw, Berkley called a time out to discuss strategy. After the time out, Freedman stepped to the line to take her second shot. The gym remained silent as players and fans on both sides held their breath. Freedman spun the ball a couple of times to relax and then calmly knocked down the winning shot to send the Falmouth players and fans into a frenzied celebration of the championship.

Freedman led Falmouth with 11 points in the victory. Pimental, Carl, Taylor Miller and Jenny Rose DiCecco all pitched in with baskets. The Falmouth team consists of 10 very dedicated players all who contributed throughout the year to their great success.

With the playoff wins Falmouth finished 13-4 on the season.