JUDA - Albany junior Courtney Pfeuti wasn't about to let a scoreless three quarters stand in the way of trip to a regional final. Pfeuti scored all six of her points in the fourth quarter to rally her team to a 40-35 win over the Juda Panthers in a WIAA Division 4 regional semifinal Thursday.
With the Comets trailing 23-20 to begin the fourth quarter, Pfeuti scored a basket, then came up with a steal and a three-point play in the opening minute to put Albany ahead for good at 25-23.
The Panthers were unable to overcome the deficit as Albany made 10 of their 13 free throws in the fourth quarter.
The Comets also played a great game on defense, holding the second-leading scorer in the Six Rivers East, Ellen Kiser of Juda, to just five points. Kiser averages 14 points per game.
Albany and Juda split their regular season meetings with each team winning on their opponent's home floor.
The Comets won the first game 56-46 Jan. 19, and the Panthers returned the favor with a 41-36 win Feb. 19. This time, the third-seeded Comets used a fourth-quarter rally against the second-seeded Panthers to keep their season alive.
Albany was led by juniors Sydney Bump and Hayli Peach with 12 points each.
Juda, which was led by senior Larissa Klemm with 11 points Thursday, ends its season at 12-12.
Albany (12-11) will face Burlington Catholic Central (14-10) for the regional championship at 1 p.m. Saturday at Clinton.
With the Comets trailing 23-20 to begin the fourth quarter, Pfeuti scored a basket, then came up with a steal and a three-point play in the opening minute to put Albany ahead for good at 25-23.
The Panthers were unable to overcome the deficit as Albany made 10 of their 13 free throws in the fourth quarter.
The Comets also played a great game on defense, holding the second-leading scorer in the Six Rivers East, Ellen Kiser of Juda, to just five points. Kiser averages 14 points per game.
Albany and Juda split their regular season meetings with each team winning on their opponent's home floor.
The Comets won the first game 56-46 Jan. 19, and the Panthers returned the favor with a 41-36 win Feb. 19. This time, the third-seeded Comets used a fourth-quarter rally against the second-seeded Panthers to keep their season alive.
Albany was led by juniors Sydney Bump and Hayli Peach with 12 points each.
Juda, which was led by senior Larissa Klemm with 11 points Thursday, ends its season at 12-12.
Albany (12-11) will face Burlington Catholic Central (14-10) for the regional championship at 1 p.m. Saturday at Clinton.
