UPDATE: In a thrilling finish on Monday night, Stephen Fredette delivered a game-winning three-pointer with no time left on the clock, leading Palmer to a dramatic 49-46 victory over Granby. With just nine seconds remaining, the teams were locked in a tie after a fierce comeback by the Rams, who had erased an eight-point deficit with relentless defense.
The intensity ramped up as Granby fought back, thanks to a clutch corner shot from Zavien Fernandez that tied the score. However, Palmer was determined not to head to overtime. After the inbound pass, Matt Santos advanced the ball and found Fredette, who made a quick stop beyond the arc and launched the decisive shot just as the buzzer sounded.
Amidst the roar of cheers from the home crowd, Fredette expressed his joy: “It feels amazing to hit the shot. Coming out of the half, I really wanted it to be my shot, and it worked out.”
Palmer’s head coach, Missy Rocker, praised her team’s resilience, stating, “Granby’s pressure was pretty heavy at the end of the game… It’s great that Fredette hit the game-winner. He’s fully capable of doing those kinds of things.”
The game began with Palmer dominating early, establishing a notable ten-point lead. Gavin Smola and Fredette’s contributions propelled the Panthers, but Granby quickly adapted, tightening its defense and closing the gap by the end of the first quarter. The Rams managed to tie the game at halftime, showcasing their grit and determination.
Despite their struggles, the Panthers maintained composure, with Rocker emphasizing their motto: “handle hard better.” She noted, “Two years ago, it would have gone the other way for us. They’re learning how to finish.”
Palmer’s depth was on display as multiple players made significant contributions. Taydem Haley led the Panthers with 15 points, while Fredette added 11 points. Smola returned in the second half after an injury, immediately making an impact.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged baskets, but it was Palmer’s defense that ultimately secured the win in a low-scoring fourth quarter. Granby’s Fernandez led all scorers with 21 points, while teammate Raymond A. Colon contributed 10 points.
With this victory, Palmer improves to an unbeaten record of 4-0, a testament to the strong foundation Rocker has built over the past few years. “We’re taking pride in playing defense and holding teams to that 45-point mark,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Palmer will face Ware on January 5, 2024, while Granby, now 0-4, prepares to host Easthampton on December 29, 2023. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this exciting season as both teams gear up for their upcoming matchups.