The Massapequa Lady Chiefs' fantastic season came to an end last Friday night, as they lost in the first round of the New York State public schools basketball tournament, falling to Rush-Henrietta, 71-58.

The Lady Chiefs went into the game as reigning girls basketball champions of both Nassau County and Long Island. They were also riding on a 19-game winning streak.

However, after playing Rush-Henrietta to a near draw in the first quarter, Massapequa was outscored 22-12 in the second frame, facing a 38-25 deficit at halftime.

Massapequa made a run in the fourth quarter, pulling within single digits in the final minute and a half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the earlier Rush-Henrietta lead.

Although the season ended in a defeat and both head coach Shari Roessler and her players were disappointed by the final result, it hardly diminished the remarkable achievements that Massapequa reached during the 2005-2006 season.

During their winning streak, Massapequa averaged over 70 points a game, usually defeating their opponents by lopsided margins.

The playoffs, of course, would not be so easy and indeed, the championship game against Northport became an instant classic, with observers hailing it as one of the most exciting and draining championship games in recent memory. In that thrilling contest, Massapequa prevailed over Northrup by a 67-65 count, with the winning, come-from-behind basket being scored by Gina Giambanco as only seconds remained in the game.

Moreover, Massapequa will be returning most of their regulars from their championship squad. The Lady Chiefs will be losing only one senior, Gina Giambanco, from this year's squad. Such stalwarts as Janine Aldridge, Suzi Fregosi, and Ashley Caiafa will be returning next year for another championship run.

In the loss against Rush-Henrietta, it was Ms. Giambanco, playing in what proved to be her final game, who had a terrific all-around evening, scoring 14 points, bringing down 11 rebounds, dishing out four assists, and having seven steals.

Janine Aldridge led Massapequa with 16 points, including seven in the final quarter. Suzi Fregosi had 13 points, six assists and six steals, while Ashley Caiafa chipped in with nine points and nine rebounds.

Next week, The Massapequan Observer hopes to publish a photo display of this great team in action.