You won't find many more clutch players than Sophronia Sallard. A 5-11 small forward for Nottingham High School in Syracuse, N.Y., Sallard has a knack for scoring the crucial basket.

That was never more true than the past month, when Sallard nailed buzzer-beating baskets that propelled the Bulldogs to the New York State Class AA championship.

In the Section 3 championship game, Sallard came through in the clutch, hitting a shot at the buzzer to beat cross-town rival Corcoran. "I knew that time was running out. It was crunch time, everyone had faith in me," Sallard told the Syracuse Post-Standard. "I just blocked everything out and made the shot."

That set the stage for more heroics in the Class AA state championship game. After defeating Colonie and Massapequa, the Bulldogs faced the White Plains Tigers in the Class AA finals. Once again, the game came down to the final seconds, and once again, Sallard came through in the clutch.

Here's the account from the Journal News: "With 1.8 seconds remaining and the Tigers inbounding from underneath the Nottingham basket, the inbounds pass was knocked loose and fell into the hands of Lady Bulldogs senior Sophronia Sallard. She shot a 15-foot jump shot just as time expired and swished it, lifting Nottingham to a 40-38 win at the buzzer and the sixth state title in program history last night at Hudson Valley Community College."

After taking the Class AA title, Nottingham moved on to the state Federation finals, where they ran into New York City powerhouse Murry Bergtraum. Despite 18 points from Sallard, the Bulldogs fell to the Lady Blazers 57-38, finishing the season with a 21-5 record. (Bergtraum lost to Christ the King in the Federation final.)

After the game, Sallard told the Post-Standard she was still satisfied with her senior year. "This is the best season I've ever had since I started out in seventh grade," Sallard said. "We had a goal we wanted to achieve, and that was to win the state championship. Coming to play at the Glens Falls Civic Center has been a wonderful thing as well. I can sure say that I'm proud of my team and proud of myself."

During her senior season, Sallard averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and 4 assists per game. For her career, Sallard totaled 1,569 points, 603 rebounds, 703 assists and 350 steals.

After the season, Sallard was named to the 2004-05 second team all-state team by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports and given honorable mention for the WBCA All-America team.

She also was named the Post-Standard's All-CNY girls Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. In the article, Sallard describes her style of play: "I like to slash, give a little shake-n-bake, pull up or hit with a little hesitation. I also like the laid-back type of game, to slow up then go."

Previous honors included being named Colonial American League Player of the Year, selected to participate the Nike All-America Camp (2004), and being chosen as Class AA All-State Second Team (2004), Fifth Team (2003); All-Region First Team (2003, 2004), Metro Player of the Year (2004), League MVP (2004), as All-League First Team (2004). She was rated as the No. 25 player in the nation by Blue Star recruiting service.

After consider receiving offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, UAB and Virginia, Sallard signed a letter of intent in November to play for the University of Kansas. Head Coach Bonnie Hendrickson lauded her recruit. "Sophronia is a player with tremendous athletic ability and we are excited to sign a player of her caliber," Henrickson said. "She can knock down mid-range and outside shots, create for herself and finish at the basket. Her playmaking skills and passing skills are impressive. One thing that sets her apart is her unselfishness. She plays for coach Greg Jones at one of the best high schools in the country, who has really worked to develop her as a player."

If her senior season is any indication, the best is yet to come for Sophronia Sallard.

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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