WPCNR PRESS BOX. March 13, 2005: Escorted  by White Plains Police Squad Cars, sirens wailing, the White Plains Girls Basketball team returned from their heartbreaking last second loss, (on a 15 footer by Sophronia Sallard off a loose ball)  in the State Championship game Saturday evening to a warm congratulatory community welcome at White Plains High today.

Mayor Joseph Delfino, Principal Ivan Toper, Parents, the high school band and admirers hung out greeted the girls with streamers and congrats all around on their valiant comeback in the second half last night and their championship season. The Section Champions and No. 2 in the state were in good spirits and looking to the future. As Ivan Toper, Principal of White Plains High School, put it "They know where White Plains basketball is  in this state."

Welcome back Champs! The White Plains High School Womens Basketball Team Section  Champions, No. 2 in the State back from Troy after Saturday nights last second loss in the State Final to a tough Nottingham team. Photo by WCPNR Sports

HERE THEY COME: White Plains Police escorted the Champs into town. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

We are proud of you! We are proud of you! Shouts, cheers and foam greeted the Champs as they left their bus.  Mayor Delfino who sped up to Troy after the St. Patrick's Day Parade yesterday to attend game said there were about 300 fans from White Plains at the game, which he said was just "a great game." Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Lesley Tompkins and Band Parents pulled together the White Plains High School pep band to honor the Champs. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

WPHS PRINCIPAL IVAN TOPER, left, and Mayor Joseph Delfino attended Saturday evening's classic and welcomed back the hoopsterettes. Asked about the 40-38 humdinger last night, (tied with 2 seconds to go), Toper said, "It was incredible. You know, we learn from everything in life. This was one of those learning moments. They love each other. They never gave up and that's what really matters. They showed great sportmanship and even applauded the other team (Nottingham) at the end. What's really special is  every life we have those learning moments, this is one of those imprints that will stay with them forever." Photo by WPCNR Sports

Mayor Delfino Congratulates Elise Bronzo, high scorer with 11 points Asked about the game he attended, The Mayor said, "It was a lifetime experience for these students and this basketball team and for the City of White Plains. We were so well represented up in Troy. It was an honor to be there, and we have a wonderful bunch of family in White Plains. These girls are example of what our future is in our city. Yes, it's  tough to lose, but, you know what, sometimes you learn from losing and down the road they'll look it  and never quit in life. They didn't. They were down in the first half and they rebounded beautifully." Photo by WPCNR Sports.

Ms. Bronzo wearing her State Finals Medal. Photo by WPCNR Sports