The Lady Storm of Unadilla Valley won their home tournament Saturday after knocking off the Hamilton Emerald Knights, who were ranked No. 14 for the state in the Class D rankings. UV, who topped Hamilton 51-34, were led by tournament MVP Claire Converse’s 26 rebounds in the win. Teammate Kyleigh George was also named to the All-Tournament Team. (Submitted Photo)

S-E tops GMU in consolation game

NEW BERLIN – The Lady Storm of Unadilla Valley knocked off the Hamilton Emerald Knights Saturday in the UV Holiday Tournament championship, taking down the 14th best team in New York State’s Class D rankings 51-34.

“We played a great overall game,” said Brandi Whitbeck, the Storm’s head coach. “We moved the ball on offense, we took good shots, had a few fast breaks and played great defense.”

Claire Converse of Unadilla Valley pulled down a game-high 26 rebounds and recorded a double-double in the win as she tallied 12 points. Converse’s performance throughout the weekend, including the championship, led her to being named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

In the opening round nail biter against the Lady Marauders of Sherburne-Earlville, Converse scored a team-best 14 points to aid in the overtime win.

All-tournament honoree and Storm teammate Kyleigh George scored a game-high 13 points as the host team held a seven point advantage at halftime.

Unadilla Valley went on a 15-7 run out of the break to build the lead to 15 and outscored the Emerald Knights in the last quarter of play 12-10 to earn the big non-league win and tournament trophy.

Lindsey Speer recorded a team-best 10 points and all-tournament selection Kyleigh Pearson added nine points for Hamilton. Colleague Emma Basher ended with six points and was also named to the all-tournament team.