10-26-2012 | NSHA Stars Shine Bright, Beat SAR STING 44-29, Claim Final Spot in Final Four

10-26-2012 | NSHA Stars Shine Bright, Beat SAR STING 44-29, Claim Final Spot in Final Four

The game to determine the final spot in the Final Four was between the #4 NSHA STARS and the #5 SAR STING. The Sting came out firing, but only scored once in the first 2 minutes of the game. The STARS of North Shore responded with a 5-0 run led by senior forward Benji Hakakian. SAR scored again, but the first quarter belonged to North Shore as they ended the quarter with seven unanswered points to make the score 12-4 North Shore.

Both teams scored to start the second quarter, then North Shore extended their lead to double digits on a three pointer. Both teams kept up the good defense, but SAR managed to cut the lead to eight. With a very good play at the last second, the Sting was able to score and cut North Shore’s lead to six. At the end of the first half, North Shore led SAR 19-13.

North Shore started the second half really hot, as they went on a 6-0 run powered by good shooting. North Shore extended their lead to 14 when Josh Cohen scored an easy layup, but on the next play their only listed PG, Avery Lubin, went down with an injury. SAR took advantage and went on a 4-0 run. Both teams made some free throws, but North Shore maintained their lead. At the end of the third quarter the score was 34-21 in favor of North Shore.

To start the fourth quarter, Avery Lubin (who returned shortly after his injury) had a sweet alleyoop pass to Benji Hakakian who nicely laid it in for a bucket. Both teams exchanged baskets and while SAR found a little bit of their shooting touch, they could not make a dent in North Shore’s big lead. North Shore kept up its lead, and won 44-29 to lock up the final spot in the Final Four. The high scorer for North Shore was Benji Hakakian with 19 points, and the high scorer for SAR was Zach Wohlberg with 10 points.