GROTON — Megan Williamson, Hazel Ray, and Emmi Makie all registered double-doubles to lead Candor to a 52-41 win over Groton here Tuesday night in IAC Small School Division girls basketball crossover action.
“It was a sloppy, physical game and their student section was pretty unsportsmanlike, but the girls overcame the adversity and earned the win," said Candor coach Carl Kanoff.
"We hadn’t played in a week due to cancellation after we had been on a roll, and it clearly played a part in the early going.
"We regrouped at halftime and made some better plays going forward, although we still had too many turnovers," noted Kanoff.
"The girls play with heart and I am never, ever disappointed with their effort," he added. "We just need to make better decisions with the ball if we want to succeed in the post season.”
The Coyotes had a shaky start, dropping the first quarter 12-7. Groton extended their lead throughout the second frame, twice leading by nine, but Candor managed to climb back and entered the half down 21-17.
The third quarter was a turning point for Candor as it pumped in 20 points, fueled by a 12-2 run to start the half.
Williamson scored nine points, including a 3-pointer to start the run, while Makie scored 10 points.
The Coyotes entered the fourth quarter up 37-27.
The Red Hawks saved their best offensive output for the end, scoring 14 points, but the Coyotes took advantage of fouls to go 10-for-14 from the line down the stretch.
Williamson logged career highs with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and hit crucial 3-pointers in the third and fourth quarters to help Candor maintain their cushion down the stretch.
Ray scored 10 points, and tied a career high with 17 boards, while Makie added another 20 point game to her season tally while pulling down 10 rebounds, Claire Rollins recorded five steals, and Shawna Conklin hauled down eight rebounds.
Candor, now 13-3 hosts Odessa-Montour Thursday to wrap up the regular season.
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IN PHOTO: Candor's Megan Williamson. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTO.