SECTION IV GIRLS BASKETBALL: OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES PROVE COSTLY IN OWEGO'S 49-36 LOSS TO JOHNSON CITY IN CLASS A SEMIFINALS (20 PHOTOS) (2025-03-06)

Tioga County Sports Report
JOHNSON CITY — Owego struggled to score after the first quarter, and top-seeded Johnson City pulled away for a 49-26 win here Wednesday night in the semifinals of the Section IV Class A girls basketball playoffs.

"I'm extremely proud of this group of girls and how hard they play game-in and game-out," said Owego coach Luke McEvoy.

"This game played out as several have this season, where we couldn't settle in and find our rhythm on the offensive end," he noted. "Give credit to JC and their aggressive defense, limiting our initial offensive actions and forcing us to work out of second and third reads and actions.

"We executed well on the defensive end of the floor and I felt as if we could keep them in the 40s, it would give us an opportunity in the end, assuming our offense was clicking," said McEvoy.

We started strong and continued to have good looks in the second quarter but didn't get enough of them to fall.

"Not scoring consistently also took us out of any full-court pressure we could apply, which is something we had a lot of success with this season," added McEvoy. "Putting us primarily in a half-court defensive battle all second half. JC was able to capitalize on this and did a good job of limiting our offensive options."

Madison McEvoy knocked down a 3-pointer in the first quarter, and four of her teammates added a bucket, but the Wildcats ended the opening stanza with a 16-11 lead.

Johnson City used a 13-6 second-quarter run to take a 29-17 lead into the halftime intermission.

The Wildcats blew the game wide open in the third quarter with a 16-4 blitz that extended their advantage to 45-21 entering the final eight minutes.

Lexi Herceg led Owego with nine points, while Jenna McEvoy scored six points, and Madison McEvoy chipped in with five points.

Owego finishes the season with a 9-13 record graduate three seniors in Lexi Herceg, Madison McEvoy, and exchange student Bella Vianna.

"The senior athletes have played an important role in the success of our program throughout their time with us," said McEvoy. "Each of them has left a lasting impact on and off the court.

"Bella, our exchange student, was a wonderful addition to the team this season," he noted. "Despite having no prior basketball experience, she consistently showed up with a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Bella quickly became an outstanding teammate, and her dedication and spirit were truly valued.

"Lexi (Herceg) has been a part of our program since 7th grade and has been on varsity since her 10th-grade year, steadily improving each season," said McEvoy. "Throughout her time with us, we’ve asked her to take on various roles, and this season was no different.

"Given our team’s lack of size and interior play, we tasked her with playing a key role inside, both offensively and defensively," continued McEvoy. "Without hesitation, Lexi stepped up to the challenge, always willing to do whatever it took for the success of the team. Her versatility has been an invaluable asset, and her presence and competitive mindset will be deeply missed.

"Madison (McEvoy) has been around, well for 17 years now, being at practices and games since she was a baby, but getting her start with the Owego-Apalachin Basketball Club in 2017 as a member of the first 5th- and 6th-grade youth team," said McEvoy. "She has been on varsity since her 9th-grade year and has made as significant an impact as any player has during my time with the program.

"Her growth over the years is a testament to the countless hours of work and dedication she has put into her game," added McEvoy. "Madison was influenced by many players who came before her, and her commitment to improvement serves as an inspiration for current and future players. Now ranking fourth all-time in scoring and holding several other records, her true impact lies in her influence on younger players, who will hopefully be motivated by her work ethic and leadership."

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IN PHOTO 1: Owego's Eva Crawford. IN TOP PHOTO: Owego's Madison McEvoy. ... PHOTOS BY MATT PATTON.

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