In dramatic fashion, the GCAA Shock 5th Grade girls basketball team rallied from a two-point deficit in the final 90 seconds Tuesday night to defeat St. Bernard, 21-16, and claim the Super League championship of the Gold Division at Island Garden.

The GCAA Shock outscored St. Bernard, 7-0, in the final minute and a half to overcome a 16-14 deficit. Caitlin McGuinness scored from close in to tie the game and then hit a free throw to make it 17-16 Garden City. After a defensive stop, Kimberly Ryan was fouled and made a free throw to put the lead at 18-16 with 30 seconds to go.

St. Bernard called time out, setting up for a final offensive play. However, the GCAA girls put on strong defensive pressure and Katie Trimmer stole the ball. She passed it to Kimberly Ryan who drove to the hoop, scored, and was fouled. She made the foul shot to ice the game, 21-16.

"I am very happy for these 12 girls - they played as a team all season and won three tough games to win the championship," said GCAA Shock coach John Kiffel.

The GCAA Shock trailed, 10-6, at halftime but rallied to tie it at 13-all after three quarters on two Kimberly Ryan field goals, a basket by Liz Stutzmann and a free throw by Catherine Dickinson.

St. Bernard, which had defeated previously unbeaten Long Beach to reach the final, was able to regain the lead at 16-14 as time was running down. But the GCAA Shock played great defense down the stretch, made clutch shots, and showed its resourcefulness in pulling out the victory.

Kimberly Ryan led Garden City with 12 points. Caitlin McGuinness scored 3 points, Christina Mangels and Liz Stutzmann had 2 points each, and Lauren Nuss and Catherine Dickinson had 1 point apiece. This championship season was about team play, with all 12 girls contributing throughout the season.

Members of the GCAA Shock: Marisa Cameron, Christina Capetola, Jenna Fuchs, Catherine Dickinson, Maggie Kiley, Julia Kiffel, Christina Mangels, Caitlin McGuinness, Lauren Nuss, Kimberly Ryan, Liz Stutzmann and Katie Trimmer.

Congratulations to the girls on your great season!