Mohonasen edges Lansingburgh in overtime to advance to Class A final

GLENS FALLS —In a game expected to go in Lansingburgh’s favor, aggressive back and fourth battles full of great defenses and clutch plays ended in Mohonasen edging Lansingburgh 56-54 in overtime in the Class A semifinals.

When Lansingburgh’s high pace offense and strong hit the floor, Mohonasen was clearly surprised at first. After giving up 15 points and only scoring eight in the first quarter, the Warriors turned around and showed they could play at their level by out scoring them 12-7 in the second quarter. 

Even with their second quarter surge, Mohonasen still found themselves trailing at the half 22-20. With Lansingburgh’s shooting 29% and Mohonasen finishing the first half at 32% shooting.

In the third quarter, both teams offenses to slow down and the defense picked up. Lansingburgh took the third quarter by a narrow 12-11 score. This is when 6-7 center Chase Monroe started to heat up. The center ended the game with 10 points and some clutch baskets at the end.

When the fourth quarter came along, the games lead seemed to change on every possession.

Lansingburgh lost to key players in the fourth quarter as both John Bessette (five points) and Trevor Green (13 points) fouled out.

Mohonasen has some clutch free throw shooting at the end of the game, Mohonasen was able to tie it up. With 2.8 seconds left, Greg Van Epps (13 points) had a chance to win the game with a 3 but it hit off the glass sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Mohon seemed to turn up it a notch that was not seen all game. Duncan Tallman, who had 14 points in the game, scored five of the eight points scored during the extra session.

The game was sealed when Greg Van Epps got the ball behind the three point line, and he didn’t miss this time and gave a Mohon the lead for good.

With 7.7 seconds left after a Tallman free throw, Lansingburgh had the chance to tie the game, but the ball clanked off the front of the rim as time ran out.

Mohonasen will face the winner of Amsterdam and Gloversville on Saturday March 3rd at 4 p.m. at the Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls.