NILES — It was neck-and-neck from tip-off, but when the time came for a game-changing miracle, the Cassopolis girls’ basketball team fell short.

Losing to Hartford, 39-37, in a semifinal game which never saw more than a five-point lead, the Rangers ended their season with a 12-10 overall record.

There’s no doubt from head coach Janice Gatson that her team could have won. With 30 seconds left on the play clock, and trailing by two points, Cassopolis’ defense failed to commit the necessary fouls that could have given them possession of the ball.

“We called that final time out and I told them to foul. Just foul. But they played defense instead and didn’t foul. I don’t know, I just can’t explain that,” Gatson said.

Senior Santaja Gibson, a key-player for Cass, ended the game with 14 points. Hartford’s Armetruis Jackson led all scorers with 18.
The Rangers lose four seniors – Gibson, Tierra Johnson, Telayah Coats and Ariana Williams. Even with losing their top-scorer, Gatson is optimistic about the future of her team.

“We’ve got some talent coming back. We might have to work a little harder next year, but I am hopeful for the players who are returning,” Gatson said.