6th/7th grade loses heartbreaker in OT, season ends

Free throws, free throws, free throws.

They'll haunt the 6th/7th grade girls the entire off-season.

After the other team hit two free throws to send the game into overtime, the 6th/7th graders went 1-for-8 from the free throw line in the OT period, and fell short of advancing to the championship in a 24-23 heartbreaking defeat.

The girls actually could've sealed the game in regulation, but made crucial mistakes down the stretch.

Clinging to a two point lead, the 6th/7th grade girls grabbed a rebound with 9 seconds left and had a chance to run out the clock. But instead of staying calm and composed, they rushed the ball up court and dribbled right into one of the other team's defenders. A jump ball was called, and with the possession arrow not in their favor, the girls were forced to play defense for the final 5 seconds.

Off a screen, one of the other team's best players took the ball and dribbled freely down the court. As she took off for a runner, Michaela got her across the arm and the shooter was awarded three free throws.

So with a chance to win the game, the best free throw shooter on the other team hit shots one and three, to tie the game and force overtime. The second shot was halfway in, but luckily it rimmed out of the hoop.

In overtime, Michaela hit the only free throw of the extra three minutes to give the 6th/7th grade girls a 23-22 lead.

With under two minutes to play, it was another costly turnover that led to a fast break lay-up by the other team and the 6th/7th graders found themselves down a point.

Jacqueline was fouled with under a minute left, but missed two free throws. And prior to that, Sharon had a chance to extend the team's lead, but she also missed both shots.

With less than 10 seconds to play, Becky's 3 point attempt just fell short and the girls had to get a steal with 4 seconds left in their season.

They caught a break when the other team turned it over as the ball fell right into Becky's lap. She tossed it up-court to Michaela who was fouled as time expired.

Michaela had a chance to win the game, but both her free throws went in and out, as the girls' season came to a sad end.

It was an unfortunate end to a really good season by this collective group. With a few new players, they were a mistake or two away from playing in the championship.

As a whole every girl on the team improved throughout the season, but in the end, it was the inexperience and little things that couldn't put them over the top.

CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS: Big thanks to Lily, Annie, Benjiman, Rebecca and Allen who were all in attendance at Friday night's playoff game.