Live In-Game Coverage: Sachem East Girls Play Christ the King for NYS Federation Title

Sachem Patch is live court-side at the Glens Falls Civic Center to cover the New York State Federation championship between the Sachem East girls and NYC powerhouse Christ the King.

East (22-3) comes into the game as Long Island's only team still standing, while Christ the King, who beat Murray Bergtraum yesterday to clinch a spot in this game, is a yearly favorite to win a Federation title.

For those wondering what "Federation" means, it's the ultimate battle between New York's best public school and private school. It's basically for bragging rights, but usually makes for outstanding basketball. Sachem lost to CTK (24-5) in its last Federation appearance in 1995.

For those Long Islanders wondering what Glens Falls is like - it's much different than what I expected. Aside from the lumber yard and giant paper factory, it's a nice little town with plenty of eateries and stores. The AHL Phantoms play in the Civic Center, offering the only pro sports in town. Today, however, Sachem will provide necessary entertainment.

Pre-game: Kristen Doherty needs 11 points to crack the top 7 for Long Island all-time scoring leaders. As East coach Matt Brisson has said all year, she is a special player destined for special things. Wouldn't it be nice to have her score 30-plus points in her final appearance with the Red, Black & Gold?

8:00: CTK was noticeably more loud during pre-game warmups, but that doesn't mean anything. East looks focused and confident as it should. Tip off in a matter of seconds.

6:00: CTK looks on, but it's still too early. Kristen Doherty has missed four shots so far, but made one on a free-throw attempt. Caitlin Hopkins hit one two-point shot from the left side down low, almost on the perimeter. CTK 8, Sachem 3

5:03: Doherty hits a two down low in the paint. CTK 8, Sachem 5

4:02: Janelle Linton stole a pass that was intended for Kelsey Ferguson, but she blocked the shot and had all ball. On the following play, East coughed up another pass and CTK buried an easy layup on the fast break. CTK 10, Sachem 5

2:20: Ferguson on the board for two. East's defense looks on now, though CTK is still managing more shots than Sachem early on. CTK 10, Sachem 7

1:08: It's the Caitlin Hopkins show for East so far. She scored another four points in the last minute, amidst a slew of near-misses for CTK and some very powerful offensive rebounding by the Royals. Sachem 11, CTK 11

:9.5: Kristen Doherty scored two aggressive points just now. After grabbing her own rebound she finally nailed a clutch shot to give East the lead. Sachem 13, CTK 11 

End of First: Sachem 13, CTK 11

6:40: Much has happened in 1:20. East leads 15-14. Doherty scored another two points and Sachem's dominance in the defensive paint has been impressive. The Flaming Arrows have made two huge blocks. On a side note, Murray Bergtraum's team is sitting near East's bench rooting for Sachem. Sachem 15, CTK 14

5:13: It's back-and-forth action for the girls. Both teams are drawing fouls. Stephanie Burrow made two shots from the line. Kristen Doherty drove in on the right side for two points. The score is tied up after other free-throws were exchanged. Sachem 19, CTK 19

3:55: Cori Coleman hit two free-throws and a separate two-point basket to give CTK a four point lead in a matter of eight seconds. CTK 23, Sachem 19

1:25: Again, close basketball with missed shots and a few seldom streaks of execution. The tension is rising at the Civic Center. CTK has maintained its four-point lead. CTK 25, Sachem 21

:32.9: Kristen Doherty with a three-ball. From the right side near the top she let one rip and edged the scoring gap. Arielle Edwards drew a foul and hit both shots. CTK 27, Sachem 24

:3.2: Doherty again from down town! With the seconds dying off the clock, Ms. Clutch let one flow. You knew it was in when it left her finger tips. Game is tied. Sachem 27, CTK 27

END OF HALF: SACHEM 27, CTK 27

Half-time notes: Kristen Doherty leads Sachem with 15 points, 10 of which came in the second quarter. Hopkins has six, and Burrow has four. East is 3-of-4 from the free-throw line and CTK was 9-of-14. Arielle Edwards (12) and Bria Smith (8) combined for 20 points for CTK.

7:15: Edwards scored an early two points for CTK and Smith added two of her own. CTK 31, Sachem 27

5:51: Burrow hits a layup and Doherty added one from a free-throw. Sachem 32, CTK 31

5:35: Kristen Doherty again for two. She is leading Sachem as usual. It's really showing today since the rest of the team seems to be in foul trouble and not clicking. Burrow and Hopkins are playing their normal smart basketball. Sachem 34, CTK 31

3:27: Bria Smith is on fire this quarter. She helped CTK get to within two on two basic paint shots. Doherty hit another mid-range jumper. Sachem 35, CTK 34

2:25: Doherty with another two. Sachem 38, CTK 36

:45: CTK tied it up, but Burrow scored four points to give Sachem a lead heading into the final eight minutes. Sachem 42, CTK 40

END OF THIRD: SACHEM 42, CTK 40

6:25: Edwards tied it for CTK with a drive in from the right side. CTK is triple-teaming Doherty. Sachem 42, CTK 42

5:03: Edwards is CTK's version of KD. She hit another. CTK 44, Sachem 42

3:35: Smith scores, then KD answers with her own drive-in layup. CTK 46, Sachem 44

2:45: Edwards again for CTK. She's dominating. Sachem just fouled and they're in the one-and-one situation now. CTK just jumped out to a key lead this late in the game. CTK 48, Sachem 44

2:02: Edwards drove in, hit the shot with a layup to the left of the basket and drew a foul, which she hit. CTK 51, Sachem 44

1:58: Bria Smith hits two free-throws. Kristen Doherty hits a three-pointer. CTK 53, Sachem 47

1:23: It's all foul trouble now. The game is all but over, unless Sachem can manage some steals and Doherty can rock the three-ball. CTK 55, Sachem 47

END OF GAME: CTK 56, SACHEM 47

Game story and post-game coverage to follow on Sachem Patch.