The Hive Sports

by James Tate

The Farmington Phoenix arrived ready to shock the region, and for a half, they had the Syracuse Titans on the ropes. Behind a barrage of three‑pointers and relentless defensive pressure, the Phoenix built a stunning early lead and controlled the game’s rhythm. But Syracuse’s veterans never blinked. The Titans absorbed every punch, countered with poise, and ultimately powered their way to a 59–44 comeback victory, securing a spot in Friday’s region championship against Davis.

Phoenix Strike Early

Farmington wasted no time setting the tone. Their defense swarmed Syracuse’s ball handlers, and sophomore Brooklyn Romney caught fire from deep, drilling two first‑quarter threes to help the Phoenix take an 8–5 lead after one. Syracuse senior Rachel McBride kept the Titans afloat, scoring all five of their points in the opening frame as the rest of the offense struggled to find daylight.

The second quarter opened with another Phoenix surge. In the first 38 seconds, Romney and senior Ellie Schow splashed down back‑to‑back threes, stretching the lead to 14–5 and stunning a Titans team not accustomed to playing from behind. But Syracuse responded with an 8–0 run fueled by Maylee Anderson’s three and a burst from freshman Mindy McNeill, who scored two layups and added a free throw to pull within 14–13.

Anderson tied the game at 16–16 with another deep ball at the 3:08 mark, but Farmington closed the half with their most explosive stretch of the night. The Phoenix buried three straight threes, two from Romney and one from sophomore Olive Wayland, to seize a commanding 25–16 halftime lead and all the momentum.

Olivia Sorensen

Titans Rally in the Third

The second half began exactly as the first half ended: with another Phoenix three. This time, sophomore Ellie Dorius connected, pushing Farmington ahead 28–16 and threatening to break the game open.

But Syracuse’s veterans refused to let the season slip away.

The Titans tightened their defense, forced turnovers, and unleashed a 12–0 run to tie the game at 28–28 with 2:53 left in the third. McBride and Anderson scored four points each during the surge, senior Zaydie Peterson knocked down a timely three, and senior Karsyn Visser added a free throw to complete the comeback.

Farmington steadied itself behind senior Morgan Rogers, who buried a three-pointer to reclaim a 31–28 lead with 2:30 remaining. But Syracuse answered again. Junior Avery King scored at the rim, senior Brighton Goddard added a free throw, and Anderson finished a layup to put the Titans ahead 34–31. Rogers beat the buzzer with a layup, trimming the deficit to one, but the momentum had clearly shifted. After three quarters, Syracuse held a 34–33 edge.

Morgan Rogers

Syracuse closes the door

Farmington continued to fight in the fourth, hustling for loose balls and pressing full‑court. Their effort paid off when Rogers scored on a strong drive to give the Phoenix a 39–38 lead with 6:43 left. From there, Syracuse took over.

The Titans responded with a decisive 8–0 run, powered by six points from Anderson, who repeatedly broke the press and finished at the rim. On the defensive end, McBride delivered a highlight‑reel block that ignited the Titans’ sideline and symbolized the shift in control.

Romney briefly revived the Phoenix with yet another three‑pointer, cutting the deficit to 48–42 with 3:16 remaining, but Syracuse slammed the door shut. The Titans closed the game on a 7–0 run, stretching the lead to 55–42 with 2:04 left. McBride buried a clutch three during the surge, sealing the outcome and sending Syracuse fans into celebration mode.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Titans had completed a dominant second‑half turnaround to win 59–44, overcoming a nine‑point halftime deficit and a barrage of Farmington threes.

Now, Syracuse turns its attention to Friday’s region championship showdown with the Davis Darts, a matchup worthy of the stage.

photos courtesy of James Tate