Firecrackers fall to NJ Panthers in Game 5 on buzzer beater

Esposito leads scoring effort despite being hampered by a sore ankle

After mounting a furious comeback in the final minute of game 5 capped by a long 3 from cold blooded Sierra Tapley to put the game into OT, the 16u Firecrackers lost on a heartbreaking step back desperation 3 from one of the NJ Panthers post players.

This one started ugly with cold shooting on both ends. The Firecrackers got all kinds of quality shots but the rims appeared greased and they trailed 15-13 at halftime.
Behind by 4 with nearly 2 minutes remaining, Bri Wajer knocked down 2 jump shots to tie the game but with 15 seconds left the Panthers hit another 3 (8 for the game) setting the stage for Sierra Tapley, who pumped faked to shake a defender and calmly hit a 24′ bomb with 6 seconds left.

In the overtime Maine struck first on an Emily Esposito backdoor lob from Kelsey Shaw. On the next play Danasia Fennie came out of nowhere to swat a 3, forcing NJ to intentionally foul. Maine had a chance to seal the deal but missed the front end of two one and ones and with four seconds left the Panthers hit a contested step back 3.

The 8 man Firecracker roster seemed to take its toll as the Mainers missed multiple short shots and were a disappointing 7 of 17 from the foul line. Esposito again led the team with 14 points and 6 rebounds, Kelsey Shaw had 8 with 3 assists, Tapley 5 (3 rebounds), Wajer two critical jump shots, Fennie 3 with 2 blocks, and Katie Butler added stellar defense and a foul shot. Jess Willerson was held scoreless in this one but battled as always and Alaina Birkel continued to provide a spark every time she stepped on the floor. Her contributions have been constant and consistent each game.

The Final game in Pennsylvania will be tomorrow morning at 8:30. The Firecrackers now stand at 3-2 overall with 3 decisive wins and 2 close losses.