Leading off today: Instant replay can be used starting next season for last-second shots in high school basketball championship games, the National Federation of State High School Associations announced today.

   The rule change allows for the review of a field-goal attempt at the end of the fourth quarter or any overtime if the last-second shot would affect the outcome of the game. Officials would be allowed to determine whether the ball had left the shooter's hand ahead of the buzzer or whether the shot was a two- or three-pointer.

   The respective state associations will make the decision on whether or not to utilize replays.

   "When available, technology should be used to assist game officials and administrators in making the correct call when the outcome of the game hangs in the balance and a team has no further opportunity to overcome a critical error," said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS liaison to the basketball rules committee. "This change provides state associations that opportunity."

   Controversial finishes in 2008 championship games in South Carolina, Ohio and Michigan all wouuld have been candidates to use relays.

   700 wins for Messere: West Genesee boys lacrosse coach Mike Messere posted career victory No. 700 yesterday as the Wildcats routed visiting Liverpool, 17-4.

   Numerous former players were in attendance as Messere ran his record to 700-46 in 34 seasons. His Wildcats have won 15 NYSPHSAA championships — more than any team in any sport.

   "Seven hundred wins is more than just a number," AD Tony Pascale said. "It also stands for everything he has done for the West Genesee community."

   Messere trails only Joe Cuozzo (737) of Ward Melville and Mount Sinai on the all-time state list.

   Yorktown prevails: Kevin Interlicchio's overtime goal, his fourth tally of the day, carried No. 8 Yorktown past No. 4 Chaminade, 9-8, in a non-league lacrosse battle between two of the state's top Class A boys teams.

   "Once the ball came to me, I knew I was going to shoot," Interlicchio told The Journal News. "I just kept running until it seemed like almost half the goal was open, and I was able to sneak it past the keeper."

   Penn Yan wins in OT: Matt Osgood’s goal 53 seconds into overtime lifted Class C No. 4 Penn Yan a 10-9 boys lacrosse win at Hamburg, ranked fourth in Class B.

   Neither team held more than a one-goal lead throughout the game.

   Hamburg forced OT as Chris Feuerstein scored with an assist from Jon Crean (three goals) with 1:44 left. Penn Yan won the faceoff to start overtime and called timeout to set up the winning play.

   Perfect cap to the week: Providence recruit Shelby Greany capped a great week by winning the girls' 1,600 meters at the Loucks Games in White Plains, crossing the finish line in 4:48.25 to set a meet and Rockland County record. Emily Menges of Garden City was second in a solid 4:53.09.

   The performance capped a week that began with her setting a U.S. high school record in the 2,000 steeplechase.

   "I wanted to run out alone," the Suffern senior told The Journal News. "I wish I could've come home stronger, but I died in the end. I wish I could go back and push myself a little harder."

   Teammate Jen Clayton won the 200 in :24.72, tops in New York this season, a day after a big winning leap in the long jump. Bronxville's girls took top honors in the 3,200 relay in 9:09.44.

   In boys action, Joe Fox of Clarkstown South won the shot put with a state-leading throw of 56-2 3/4, and Ramapo scored victories in the 400 and 1,600 relays in :42.95 and 3:17.48, respectively. Chidi Ezemma and Mike Abelard ran legs on both, and each also had a second-place showing in an individual event.

   Extra points: The Sidney boys tennis team won its 67th straight Mid-State Athletic Conference contest last week to extend a winning streak dating to the 2004 season.