All the buzz about Santiago
WHS caps thrilling week with buzzer-beater
By CHRIS PUTZ
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – It was a tale of two halves for the WHS hoops program this week.
While the Westfield boys’ basketball team started off the beginning of the week in the midst of a two-game winning streak, it was the Lady Bombers who finished on a high note.
On Friday, Westfield battled Chicopee Comp to the end, and came out on top with Beka Santiago’s buzzer beater to send the Colts packing, 45-43. It was the Lady Bombers’ second straight victory.
Santiago, who netted 25 points in a loss Tuesday and 28 points in Thursday’s win, drove the lane in the winning seconds, stopped in front of the Comp defense, looked to make an outlet pass, did a 360, and dropped it in herself off the backboard for the game-winner.
“If I had to pick an athlete of the week, it would be her,” Westfield coach Tim Sicard said, following the thrilling finish.
Both teams shook off numerous turnovers before the heart-stopping finish.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game of basketball, but we will take the win,” Sicard said.
Evon Tapasses chipped in with nine points.
Gateway 45, Smith Voke 16
Paige Fairman scored a game-high 10 points as Gateway cruised to its 12th win of the season. The Gators are now 12-1, the only loss having come to Holyoke Catholic.
Gateway travels to Chicopee to take on the HC Gaels Tuesday night at Chicopee Academy at 7:30 p.m.
In other games, Southwick traveled to Sabis. In that game, the Lady Rams fell behind 56-13 after three quarters. The final result was not available prior to press time Friday.
JV GIRLS’ HOOPS
Sabis 31, Southwick 30
Jaccqui Maziarz scored 10 points for Southwick, which missed an 8-foot, buzzer-beater against host Sabis.
