Leading off today: Greece Athena dug itself a deep hole but rallied last night to defeat Gates Chili in overtime, 68-61, and advance to Saturday's state quarterfinals in boys basketball.
The 21st-ranked Trojans managed to score only 12 first-half points, fell behind by 20 in the third quarter and then turned it around in time to live another day and set up a game against No. 1 Niagara Falls.
"We realized that we came a long way this season," senior forward R.J. Kalb told The Democrat and Chronicle. "We didn't want to let go of our season."
Junior guard Casey Sheehan scored all 23 of his points after halftime and finished with seven assists. He made two three-pointers in the final 30 seconds, the latter tying the score at 52 and forcing overtime.
Chad Dillard topped Gates Chili with 25 points and pulled down 11 rebounds to help the Spartans to a 42-26 margin on the boards.
More OT hoops: Section 9 champion Burke Catholic scored the final eight points of OT to squeeze past Lincoln Hall, 67-64, in a New York State Public High School Athletic Association boys Class B basketball regional semifinal.
Four Lincoln turnovers and six free throws by guard Matt Cooney rallied Burke back from a 64-59 deficit in the extra period.
"(Fatigue) was definitely kicking in at that point," Lincoln Hall's Sir Aaron Taylor told The Journal News. "I was trying to suck it up and lift my team. But today just wasn't a good day for me."
Peekskill advances: Class A No. 2 Peekskill limped to a shaky, 47-36 victory against Norwich in the first round of the boys state tournament but at least got back Daquan Brickhouse.
