The Lady Blue Devils started the game on a strong note, getting off to a 6-2 lead in the first few minutes before stalling out, and Coleman took control of the game's tempo with an inside game, which they went to again and again throughout the game. Coleman tied the score midway through the first quarter, but at the end some solid defense from Bari Alor-Morgan and a basket from Antoinette Steele left the Blue Devils ahead 11-10.

As the first half came to a close, Coleman was making more of their shots, and the Lady Blue Devils' fast break kept breaking down on the final pass. The second quarter ended with Coleman taking the lead for the rest of the game.

The third quarter was closer, due in part to Margaret Mann hitting her stride and adding some fire to the Lady Blue Devils' attack. Combining with Alyssa Ellis and Stephanie Paulsen, Mann had Coleman worried for a while. But Coleman kept scoring, and Ellenville's shooting remained spotty.

Going into the fourth quarter, Coleman had a 7-point lead and looked set for a comfortable win.

However, it wasn't quite so simple. Coach Tom Nolan finally seemed to get Antoinette Steele's fire properly lit and she responded with some scoring, including a great turnaround jump shot that took the Blue Devils to 40-42.

Alyssa Ellis was everywhere at this point, and after Coleman got back out to 40-46, Ellis hauled them in again, taking the ball to the hoop one more time to put the Lady Blue Devils within a basket of tying the game at 46. But the Lady Devils stalled there and the game went from time out to time out and missed shots, fouls and only one more point scored, by Coleman from the free throw line, and thus it ended, 44-47.

“Coleman has come out of the blocks on a tear at the start of the season. They have played and beaten some very good teams, including our main division rivals, Pine Plains and Highland. To have a chance to tie the game with a shot at the buzzer is impressive since with all of the snow days we were not able to practice any end game situations,” said Nolan.

Antoinette Steele led the Lady Blue Devils with 12 points and 14 rebounds, while Alyssa Ellis had 10 points and 4 assists.

* * *Lady Blue Devils Bounce Back With Big Win At Webutuck * * *

Two days after their loss at home to Coleman, the Lady Blue Devils traveled to Webatuck to play the Warriors. This game was never close and the Lady Blue Devils cruised to a 68-37 victory as seven different players recorded assists for a total of 19 for the game.

Natalie Young had 18 points and 3 assists to lead the Lady Blue Devils. Alyssa Ellis had 5 points, 6 assists and 4 steals, and Darien Wilson had 15 rebounds and 8 points.

“Webutuck deserves kudos for their spirited play which they continued right to the end of the game,” said Coach Tom Nolan.

* * * Lady Blue Devils Lift Trophy At Chester Christmas Tournament * * *

On Friday December 28, the Lady Blue Devils defeated Chapel Field School (Pine Bush) 56-46, in a hard fought game that could've gone either way. Antoinette Steele led the Lady Blue Devils with 21 points and 19 rebounds, while Alyssa Ellis had 11 points and 6 assists.

A crucial aspect to the win, according to Coach Tom Nolan, was Jotty Torres's work on defense to deny Chapel Field's top outside shooter scoring opportunities.

This victory sent the Lady Blue Devils to the tournament final, which they won with a dominating 44-18 performance over the host team from Chester Academy.

“This was an important win in a big game for a team which is beginning to find its identity as a pressing defensive team which looks to gain easy baskets on the fast break,” said Nolan.

“As the team grows comfortable in its identity, it is gaining confidence. As Yogi Berra once said, '90% of this game is half mental.' The more confident they become, the more belief they have in their teammates, the more they can achieve.”

Margaret Mann led all scorers with 13 points. Stephanie Paulsen chipped in with 8. Antoinette Steele garnered 10 rebounds while Alyssa Ellis and Stacy Contreras grabbed 7 boards each. Ellis also collected 5 assists.

Antoinette Steele was named MVP for the Tournament and Alyssa Ellis was also named to the All-Tournament Team.

Coach Nolan was full of praise for Chester Academy.

“Chester was a tremendous and gracious host. The Lady Blue Devils thoroughly enjoyed their time at this tournament.”

The Lady Blue Devil's next game will be held on Friday January 4, 2008 as they host Highland.

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