Ngenda Drops 36, but Tilton Holds off the Huskies, 63-57

The Huskies fell behind early, spotting visiting Tilton School six quick points before Chloe Dix sliced through the lane for a strong finish to get New Hampton on the board. From that moment on, it was a dog fight. The Huskies refused to let the Rams pull away, staying within four points throughout a tense first half as Serenity Lancaster, Saige DeJesus, and Elyse Ngenda carried the offensive load.

 

The second half belonged to Ngenda. She erupted in the third quarter, scoring all but five of New Hampton’s points and keeping the Huskies within reach as Tilton clung to a 45–39 lead heading into the final frame.

The two teams traded blows in the fourth quarter, each pouring in 18 points in the final eight minutes—Ngenda netting all 18 for New Hampton. With five minutes to play, she buried a three-pointer to tie the game, igniting the crowd. She scored from all three levels—beyond the arc, attacking the rim, and at the free throw line—finishing with a season-high 36 points and five rebounds in a heroic effort.

Dix and Lancaster (11 pts.) controlled the glass with five rebounds apiece, while Ava Perry drew her first offensive charge of the season.

In the end it was Tilton who converted enough free throws in the closing minutes to escape with a hard-fought 63–57 victory. It was a game that could have gone either way—decided only in the final possessions.