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Chong Surpasses 1,500 Points in Ossining Win

BRIARCLIFF, N.Y. -- Ossining found itself in an unfamiliar position after one quarter of its’ girls basketball game with host Briarcliff.The undefeated Pride, who have had their way with opponents this season, were only leading by seven points. This would change quickly though once the second quarter began, thanks to Saniya Chong.The explosive Chong scored 18 of her game-high 38 points in the second quarter, giving Ossining an insurmountable lead on its way to a 79-53 victory.Chong surpassed the 1,500-point plateau on a lay-up with 3:47 remaining in the third quarter. Destini Walker finished with 10 points and Danielle Gervacio added nine points.“We came out a little sluggish in the beginning,” said the soft-spoken Chong. “Coach told us we practice how we play and he felt we didn’t have a good practice yesterday.”Chong took it upon herself, as the point guard, to step up and she did. Ossining led 17-14 late in the first quarter before Chong closed it out with four consecutive points, then opened the second with a hoop.Ossining also dialed up the defensive intensity in the second quarter, holding Briarcliff to one basket through the first four minutes.“We showed a lot more heart and stepped it up, like we normally play,” Chong said.During a timeout in the third quarter, Chong was notified by veteran Ossining coach Dan Ricci that she was two points shy of reaching 1,500.“I didn’t even know,” Chong said. “It is unbelievable that I have 1,500 points.”Ricci was happy for Chong, who has achieved the mark in just two varsity seasons plus seven games this year.

Ossining 21 24 19 15 -- 79Briarcliff 14 15 11 13 -- 53

Ossining (79) -- Jalay Knowles 2-0-4, Alexis Cristello 3-1-7, Andra Espinoza -Hunter 2-2-7, Destini Walker 5-0-10, Saniya Chong 13-10-38, Danielle Gervacio 4-0-9, Melanie Silverstein 0-0-0, Danielle Ferrao 1-0-2, Valerie Andujar 0-0-0, Lydia Davis 0-0-0, Maria Estupinan 1-0-2. Totals: 31-13-79.Briarcliff (53) -- Kelsey Simpson 1-1-3, Grace Orr 0-2-2, Cassidy Carrafiello 0-6-6, Marissa Contento 1-0-2, Brianna Celaj 9-8-27, Summer Horowitz 2-3-7, Haley Simpson 2-0-4, Kathryn Bailey 0-2-2. Totals: 15-22-53.3-point goals -- O: Chong 2, Gervacio, Espinoza-Hunter; Bc: Celaj 2.

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