LOCH SHELDRAKE – On Sunday, the SUNY Sullivan Lady Generals defeated the SUNY Orange Lady Colts, 76-57, to win the Women’s Region XV Division 2 Championship. Orange stayed within striking distance in the first half, with Sullivan leading 35-27 going into the locker room. 

“They gave us a good scare,” said Coach Ben Newberg, who earned his 100th victory earlier this season. “They came with a good game plan. We missed a lot of shots early, but got it going with defense.”

Newberg said that he is still not fully impressed with their defense and wants them to get better going into Districts.

“This team is tough and they play hard,” Newberg said. “This wasn’t the best showing we’ve had, but they play hard every day and come to practice ready to go. It’s been a fun ride.”

But every time that the Lady Colts would get close, the Lady Generals would pull away as they forced a lot of turnovers and mistakes on the defensive side. They extended their lead to 45-29 just a few minutes into the second half before leading, 58-39, after three quarters. Sullivan scored 23 points in both the first and third quarters and closed it out with 18 in the final quarter. 

Freshman Shonyae Edmonds led all scorers in the game with 23 points and earned the Regional Tournament MVP as well as the NJCAA Region 15 Division 2 Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. Making the All-Tournament Team for Sullivan were Tamia Maxwell, Brieanna Maple, Briana  Jackson and Edmunds. 

Coach Newberg also won the NJCAA Region 15 Division 2 Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, which he said felt amazing to win as well as reaching his milestone 100th win this season. 

“I remember my first game being afraid of what’s next,” Newberg said. “Then I get to 100 [wins] and just keep going. It’s awesome just to take that leap of faith and do what you love. Now I’m still here and doing well, so it’s great.”

Newberg said that his proudest moment of the season was when they lost to Raritan Valley Community College at home early in the season and redeemed that loss at Raritan despite losing a player to injury. 

“We rallied and beat them by eight,” he said. “It’s nice to get the win on their floor down a player in a little redemption game.”