Dunmore Lady Bucks Edge Honesdale in OT Thriller, 56-49
By: Doug Noldy | Sportzwire | February 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy Doug Noldy
Sophia Tolutto Postgame Interview - Game Highlights
DUNMORE, PA — On an emotional night filled with tributes and fierce competition, the Dunmore Lady Bucks honored their lone senior, Sophia Talutto, and celebrated the legacy of the 1978 Lady Bucks, who clinched the first of the program's 19 district championships. The ceremony set the stage for an electrifying matchup as Dunmore battled Honesdale in a game that needed overtime to determine a winner.
This game at Dunmore High School marks the 12th consecutive season for the Lady Bucks to win the league and the 29th overall.
First Quarter: Defensive Dominance
Dunmore set the tone early, smothering Honesdale's shooters and jumping out to an 11-6 lead. Talutto ignited the offense with a made three-pointer, while Michelle Nidoh added four points, and Amanda Dempsey went a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Second Quarter: Honesdale's Surge
Honesdale clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring Dunmore 12-8 to cut the deficit to just one point at halftime, 19-18. Natalie Goldstein sparked the comeback with five points, including a key three-pointer, while Ruby Martin chipped in four points. Dempsey kept Dunmore in the lead with a timely three-pointer.
Third Quarter: Lady Bucks Respond
Dunmore regrouped after halftime, stretching their lead to 33-26. Talutto exploded for seven points in the quarter, Leena Conte contributed four, and Dempsey drained another three-pointer. Honesdale stayed within striking distance thanks to a pair of three-pointers from Ruby Martin and Karsyn Kromko.
Fourth Quarter: High Drama
Honesdale stormed out in the final quarter with a 10-2 run, taking a 36-35 lead with 5:09 remaining after clutch three-pointers from Kromko and Goldstein. Talutto responded with a crucial three to put Dunmore back on top, 38-36. Martin tied the game with a basket and drew a foul, though the missed free throw left it knotted at 38.
Dempsey hit two pressure-packed free throws to give Dunmore a 45-42 edge, but Kromko drilled a 30-foot bomb to tie the game at 45, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the game into overtime after Talutto's last-second shot missed the mark.
Overtime: Dunmore Seals the Win
Honesdale struck first in OT with a basket from Madison Van Blarcom, but Talutto answered with two free throws to tie it at 47. Nidoh scored off a slick assist from Talutto to give Dunmore a 49-47 lead. After Goldstein tied the game with two free throws, Nidoh responded again with a clutch basket and drew a foul, putting Dunmore ahead for good at 51-49.
Jackie Brown added an insurance bucket with 30.7 seconds left, and Talutto iced the game by blocking a three-point attempt and hitting one of two free throws. Dempsey sealed the victory with two more free throws, capping off a 56-49 win.
Stat Leaders:
Sophia Talutto: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 9 steals, 2 blocks
Amanda Dempsey: 15 points, including three 3-pointers, 6-for-6 from the FT line
Michelle Nidoh: 9 points, pivotal OT baskets
Honesdale: Ruby Martin (18 points, 11 rebounds), Natalie Goldstein (14 points, 11 rebounds), Karsyn Kromko (8 points, 8 assists)
Team Stats:
Three-Point Goals: Both teams hit 6
Free Throws: Dunmore 12-of-17, Honesdale 4-of-7
Field Goals: Both teams made 19
Season Records:
Dunmore: 19-2
Honesdale: 16-4
