Carver Lifts Barton To Win In Opener

The outcome of Clara Barton's opening game hung in the balance.  The Lady Panthers and the Lady Knights of Franklin K. Lane Campus were knotted at 36 points apiece when Jennifer Carver hit a 13-foot jumper with 15 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give Barton a two-point lead and, moments later, the win.

"I was thinking that we had to make it in," said Carver, who ended the game with four points.  "So I threw up a lucky shot hoping that it would go in.  I did not know that it would go."

The senior point guard may not have known that her shot would be the game-winner but her coach believed she was the best player to have the ball in her hands with the game on the line. 

"That was a set play and she came through," said Barton head coach Michael Bedell. "She is not my best shooter but she is not afraid to take the big shot so I would trust her anytime taking that shot."

Carver's shot proved to be the game-winner as the Lady Panthers held on to earn the road victory, 38-36.

Barton turned a game that appeared like they were going to runaway with into a nail-biting contest.  Both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the first half but 6'5 junior center Terriah Cooper, who finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, helped the Panthers keep pace by scoring 10 of those points in the first half. Cooper's offensive impact was much needed as the rest of her teammates struggled to put the ball in the basket. 

"I don't see anyone else with her height and her ability so it's an advantage for us every game," said Bedell.

Cooper's first half dominance in the paint gave Barton a 16 to 15 lead at halftime. 

In the third, the Panthers began to find their offensive efficiency as they outscored the Knights 16 to four in the quarter. However, after ending the third quarter on a 12-0 run, Barton struggled to find their shot in the fourth.  The Lady Panthers blew their cushion after a three pointer by Sabijla Mallison gave the Knights a 35-34 lead with 55 seconds left in the game.  The Panthers would respond with a nice inside score by Cooper in the right post to regain the lead.  Barton fouled Mallison with 33 seconds left to play and the Lane guard hit the first end of a one-and-one but missed the second. 

Mallison's missed free throw set the stage for Carver's game-winning field goal. It was a huge win for the Panthers, who are playing in a new division.

"A road game, 1-0 and the first game in the A Division is just huge and I'll take it", Bedell said.

Several players said they were nervous about playing their first game against tougher competition.  "I was amazed when Jennifer hit that shot. I was just happy," said Cooper. "I don't know if this win can help us (for the rest of the season) but I am just happy."

The Lady Panthers will look to continue their success in Brooklyn A East as they battle the Brooklyn Collegiate Lady Lions on Thursday.