The gymnasium clock showed 1:30 remaining when Gananda’s head coach called timeout. Her team was down by seven points to rival Lyons, and the season sweep seemed like a distant dream. Parents in the stands shifted nervously in their seats, some already reaching for their car keys. But high school basketball has a funny way of teaching everyone about perseverance when you least expect it.
What happened next will be talked about in Gananda for years to come. The Blue Panthers didn’t just rally – they absolutely exploded, outscoring Lyons 11-1 in the final 90 seconds to steal a 48-45 victory that left everyone in the building stunned. It’s the kind of comeback that reminds you why local high school basketball matters so much to these small communities.
Wednesday night delivered 14 games across the Wayne-Finger Lakes region, but none carried the drama and heart-stopping action of Gananda’s miraculous finish against the Lions. With just one week left in the regular season, every possession suddenly feels like it could determine playoff seeding – and sometimes, entire seasons.
Gananda’s Incredible Fourth-Quarter Rally Steals the Show
Leah Buffan had already put up 24 points for Gananda, but it was the collective effort in those final moments that made the difference. When you’re down seven with less than two minutes left, you need everything to go right – and somehow, it did.
“Games like this are why we play,” said longtime local basketball observer Mike Thompson, who’s been covering Wayne County high school basketball for over two decades. “These kids showed incredible heart when it mattered most.”
The Blue Panthers’ 11-1 run wasn’t just about making shots – it was about defensive pressure, smart fouls, and capitalizing on every Lyons mistake. JaNiyah Bell had carried the Lions with 21 points, while Car’Mella Parker added 19, but basketball is a team sport, and Gananda proved that in the final moments.
For Lyons, the loss stings especially hard because they were so close to maintaining their perfect season record against their rivals. At 15-3, they’re still having an excellent season, but this defeat will likely haunt them through the playoffs.
Key Performances and Game Statistics
The night’s action wasn’t limited to Gananda’s thriller. Shelby Geer absolutely dominated for Palmyra-Macedon, pouring in 29 points to lead the Red Raiders past Penn Yan 45-36. Her performance included a crucial 12-point third quarter that helped build an insurmountable lead.
| Game | Winner | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gananda vs Lyons | Gananda | 48-45 | Leah Buffan – 24 pts |
| Penn Yan vs Pal-Mac | Palmyra-Macedon | 45-36 | Shelby Geer – 29 pts |
| Mynderse vs Newark | Newark | 67-35 | Karina Natale – 19 pts |
Notable individual performances from Wednesday night included:
- Leah Buffan’s game-high 24 points for Gananda in the comeback victory
- Shelby Geer’s dominant 29-point performance, including 12 crucial third-quarter points
- JaNiyah Bell’s 21 points in a losing effort for Lyons
- Bailey Cooper’s fourth-quarter heroics with 12 points, though it wasn’t enough for Penn Yan
- Newark’s balanced attack led by Karina Natale’s 19 points in their convincing win
“Shelby Geer showed why she’s one of the top players in the region,” noted local scout Jennifer Martinez. “Her ability to take over games in crucial moments is what separates good players from great ones.”
What These Results Mean for Playoff Picture
With the regular season winding down, every game carries enormous weight for playoff seeding and league standings. Gananda’s victory over Lyons could prove crucial in determining who gets home-court advantage in the first round of sectionals.
The Blue Panthers’ season sweep of Lyons gives them a significant edge in any tiebreaker scenarios that might emerge. For a program that’s been building momentum all season, this kind of signature win can provide the confidence boost needed for a deep playoff run.
Palmyra-Macedon’s victory over Penn Yan similarly completes a season sweep and gives the Red Raiders valuable momentum heading into the postseason. Geer’s explosive performance demonstrates the kind of individual talent that can carry teams far in March.
“High school basketball at this level is all about peaking at the right time,” explained former college coach Tom Anderson. “Teams that can pull off these kinds of dramatic wins late in the season often carry that confidence right through sectionals.”
Newark’s dominant 67-35 victory over Mynderse reinforces their status as one of the region’s elite teams at 17-1. The Reds have been consistently excellent all season, and performances like this show they’re ready for whatever the playoffs might bring.
For coaches and players across the Wayne-Finger Lakes region, these final games represent everything they’ve worked for all season. The difference between a home playoff game and traveling on the road can often be determined by a single possession in games like these.
Looking Ahead to Thursday’s Action
The high school basketball season never sleeps, and Thursday brings another full slate of games across the region. Teams will be looking to build on Wednesday’s performances or bounce back from tough losses.
The intensity level continues to ratchet up as coaches fine-tune their rotations and players push through the physical and mental demands of a long season. These final games often reveal which teams have the depth and character needed for postseason success.
Parents, students, and community members who pack these gymnasiums know they’re witnessing something special. Local high school basketball provides drama and excitement that professional sports often can’t match – because these kids are playing for their schools, their friends, and their communities.
FAQs
How did Gananda manage to come back from seven points down with 90 seconds left?
The Blue Panthers combined aggressive defense, smart fouling strategy, and clutch shooting to outscore Lyons 11-1 in the final 90 seconds of the game.
What was significant about Shelby Geer’s 29-point performance for Palmyra-Macedon?
Geer’s dominant showing, including 12 crucial third-quarter points, helped the Red Raiders complete a season sweep of Penn Yan and gain valuable momentum for the playoffs.
How many games were played across the Wayne-Finger Lakes region on Wednesday?
A total of 14 high school basketball games tipped off across the region, with exactly one week remaining in the regular season.
What does Newark’s 67-35 victory over Mynderse indicate about their playoff chances?
The dominant win reinforces Newark’s status as one of the region’s elite teams at 17-1, showing they have the talent and consistency needed for a deep playoff run.
Why are these final regular season games so important for playoff seeding?
With sectional tournaments approaching, every victory impacts playoff seeding, home-court advantage, and potential tiebreaker scenarios that could determine entire postseason paths.
What made Wednesday night’s games particularly exciting for local basketball fans?
The combination of dramatic comebacks, dominant individual performances, and season sweeps provided the kind of heart-stopping action that makes local high school basketball so compelling for communities.
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