Shenendehowa's Emily Weber attempts a shot over Averill Park's Michela Ottati (3) during Friday's Suburban Council game at Shenendehowa. Ottati returned from an injury in the second quarter and connected on four three-point baskets, leading the Warriors to an elusive 45-36 victory over the Lady Plainsmen. (All photos by J.S. Carras - The Record).

Averill Park is well-regarded for its offensive firepower, but they proved on Friday night that they also have the defense to get it done.

The Warriors completely shut down Shen for five points in the third quarter and they never let the Lady Plainsmen get comfortable on the offensive end. No Shen player finished in double-figure scoring.

Ottati and Katie Duma led the way on the other end with 12 points apiece.

Make sure to check out Saturday's edition of The Record for more on Ottati's injury scare in the second quarter and how that rallied the Warriors.

Averill Park's Amanda Fitzgerald guard Shenendehowa's Roz Alexander during Friday's game. The Lady Warriors saw 10 players get significant minutes on the floor in a effort to confuse the Lady Plainsmen with a number of different fronts and schemes.

Averill Park forwards Katie Hawes, Bridget Carney and Molly Streb smile for the camera during practice at APHS on Thursday.

For more on the players who are getting the job done underneath, make sure to check out this story that appeared in The Record on Friday.

Molly Streb looks to make a pass during practice on Thursday. She didn't score any points Friday night, but added three rebounds, two assists and a block and a steal off the bench.

It was an important victory for the Averill Park program, because it was the first time this group of seniors had ever beaten their counterparts from Clifton Park. We all knew they had the offense, but they proved their defense is seriously up to the task, shutting down the No. 3 ranked Class AA team in the state.

--Meanwhile, in the Collar City, Troy's two private schools met in a twice-annual encounter on the hardcourt. La Salle's Marquis Campbell, seen here driving the ball, finished with seven points. The Cadets, who had lost two games narrowly to start the season, posted a 44-41 victory over the Crusaders at Monsignor Burns Gymnasium.

Catholic Central's Mike McFerrin looks for room during Friday's game against La Salle. During the Thanksgiving weekend, he was named to the Catholic Central season-opening All-Tournament team. He did not score any points Friday night.

Our Ryan Kircher was at the game and you can read his story all about how the Cadets haven't given up hope on the season yet in Saturday's edition of The Record.