In a game filled with lead changes it was only fitting that the final outcome would be decided in the closing seconds.

After being a halftime and in the third quarter, the third- and fourth-grade Cubs mustered one last offensive push to defeat the Firehawks 18-14 Saturday at Holcolm Park Center.

“The girls did an excellent job of passing and playing hard defense,” Cubs coach Rick Pratte said. “Our offensive plays didn’t quite work today, but we have been working on our defense in practice.”

Early on, the Firehawks’ perimeter game gave them the early lead. The Firehawks used their lethal combination of guards Avery Tanner and Haley Hobbs to set the tone early. The Firehawks were able to run an effective offense and cut down on turnovers as Tanner ran the point. Tanner displayed an eye for the passing lane, dishing passes along the base line and setting up point-blank shots.

Coming off the bench, Hobbs provided the offensive boost with her aggressive style of play from the point. Hobbs’ ability to create with the ball caused problems for the Cubs defense as she slashed her way to the basket for a handful of lay ups. On the defensive side of the ball, Hobbs swarmed the ball and disrupted the Cubs’ offensive timing.

The height of the Cubs caused fits for the Firehawks as they were rewarded with several second-chance scoring opportunities. A major contributor to the rebound total was Amanda Montgomery. Not only was Montgomery deadly from the perimeter, but she was also able to grab several key rebounds to spark the Cubs offense.

At the guard position, Montgomery led the charge for the Cubs with her ability to run the open court. However, Montgomery might have been even better on defense as she jumped into passing lane for several steals that led to scores.

With the strong perimeter play, Kristen Gile was able to work around the hoop – which paid off in the final moments. On the team’s final two possessions, Gile calmly gained control of the ball and used her soft touch to bank in the game-winning shots.