Long Island Girl's Hoops

Lightning Pavinelli Strike Back On NY Elite
Jay Mumford

The rim may as well have been covered with tarp for Coach Rob Pavinelli’s 14 U LI Lightning team. For more than half of their game against NY Elite’s 14 U, they simply couldn’t buy a bucket and consequently fell into a nine point hole that they couldn't seem to spring out of. But their consistent defensive effort, a late reversal of fortune with their offense and a takeover performance from combo guard Danielle Doherty allowed them to sneak up and strike the Elite for a come from behind 37-33 win in the Silver Bullets Tourney.

Tough and scrappy play from the Elite sprung them out to an auspicious 7-2 start before a quick 5-0 run driven by the Lightning’s fierce on the ball defense evened things. But their offensive woes had them stuck in the mud for much of the first half. They challenged the hard nosed Elite team to shoot the trey by switching to a 2-3 zone, and despite the Elite cleaning up on the offensive glass, they were introduced to their jump shot issues as well. Guard Colin Seaebrough finally ended the jumper drought with a corner three to put the Elite up, 15-10, and they eventually opened up a 21-12 lead following a tip in from center Katie Goldman. The Lightning were now facing a game long rivalry with the jump shot, as the shots clanged out and made Elite’s previous troubles pale in comparison. Doherty - who attends Massapequa HS- closed the gap to seven at the half with a bucket at the buzzer, but the Lightning needed points, and quickly.

The Elite’s 9 point cushion was back early in the second half after Zakiya Mason converted to make it a 25-16 game. The Lightning continued to flounder via frigid shooting, but about six minutes into the second half they finally began to unthaw. Back to back treys from Emily Carmel and Kristen Cleary (in combination with continued solid defense) gave the Lightning the jolt they needed to get back into the game, as they were only down three, 25-22. A Doherty free throw finally brought it back to a one point game, 29-28, with 5:12 left to play, but Mason coolly drained a jumper from the top of the key to give the Elite some room. As key as the shot was, it was also anti-climactic, as Mason fouled out immediately after. The Elite extended their lead to five again, but that would be their last hurrah. A huge three from Doherty was followed by a game tying corner jumper from Sarah Dowd with 1:50 left to finally even the score. From that moment until the final buzzer, Doherty carried the Lightning with clutch shots and tough drives that guided them to the victory and put the seal on a 9-0 game ending run.

Danielle Doherty led all scorers with a game high 17 points for LI Lightning Pavinelli. Colin Seaebrough and Aja Roundtree led NY Elite 14 with 6 points each.


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LI Lightning Pavinelli 14 U Lightning Pavinelli Strike Back On NY Elite Jay Mumford The rim may as well have been covered with tarp for Coach Rob Pavinelli’s 14 U LI Lightning team. For more than half of their game against NY Elite’s 14 U, they simply couldn’t buy a bucket and consequently fell into a nine point hole that they couldn't seem to spring out of. But their consistent defensive effort, a late reversal of fortune with their offense and a takeover performance from combo guard Danielle Doherty allowed them to sneak up and strike the Elite for a come from behind 37-33 win in the Silver Bullets Tourney. Tough and scrappy play from the Elite sprung them out to an auspicious 7-2 start before a quick 5-0 run driven by the Lightning’s fierce on the ball defense evened things. But their offensive woes had them stuck in the mud for much of the first half. They challenged the hard nosed Elite team to shoot the trey by switching to a 2-3 zone, and despite the Elite cleaning up on the offensive glass, they were introduced to their jump shot issues as well. Guard Colin Seaebrough finally ended the jumper drought with a corner three to put the Elite up, 15-10, and they eventually opened up a 21-12 lead following a tip in from center Katie Goldman. The Lightning were now facing a game long rivalry with the jump shot, as the shots clanged out and made Elite’s previous troubles pale in comparison. Doherty - who attends Massapequa HS- closed the gap to seven at the half with a bucket at the buzzer, but the Lightning needed points, and quickly. The Elite’s 9 point cushion was back early in the second half after Zakiya Mason converted to make it a 25-16 game. The Lightning continued to flounder via frigid shooting, but about six minutes into the second half they finally began to unthaw. Back to back treys from Emily Carmel and Kristen Cleary (in combination with continued solid defense) gave the Lightning the jolt they needed to get back into the game, as they were only down three, 25-22. A Doherty free throw finally brought it back to a one point game, 29-28, with 5:12 left to play, but Mason coolly drained a jumper from the top of the key to give the Elite some room. As key as the shot was, it was also anti-climactic, as Mason fouled out immediately after. The Elite extended their lead to five again, but that would be their last hurrah. A huge three from Doherty was followed by a game tying corner jumper from Sarah Dowd with 1:50 left to finally even the score. From that moment until the final buzzer, Doherty carried the Lightning with clutch shots and tough drives that guided them to the victory and put the seal on a 9-0 game ending run. Danielle Doherty led all scorers with a game high 17 points for LI Lightning Pavinelli. Colin Seaebrough and Aja Roundtree led NY Elite 14 with 6 points each.
Gold Star Elite will start their Girls’ Long Island AAU Basketball coverage this Spring. If you have a team that you think Gold Star Elite should cover this spring and summer please e-mail us at mail@goldstarelite.com