BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County legislators honored the Hammond Central School girl's basketball team for capturing the NYSPHSAA championship title, their second straight New York State Class D title.

“I want to take this opportunity to say congratulations to you all. This is my second year as chairman and the second year I’ve seen you all. We’re really getting to know each other,” Chairm David Forsythe joked. 

Forsythe commended the players for their resolve and dedication, saying the friends and family of the players are very proud of them. 

The Red Devils won their second consecutive championship by knocking off Northville in a hard fought 54-34 victory this season. The championship was the fourth in school history.

"Showing no weakness on the court, the Red Devils had a stellar season playing each game with athleticism, intensity and the mindset of a championship caliber team finishing their season with a record of 24-3," legislators said.

Head coach Alyssa Crosby and assistant coaches John Arquiett and Katina Dillon, the scholar athletes were about to accomplish an incredible feat that was a testimonial to the dedication, devotion and commitment to a team sport with a desire to succeed, legislators said.

"St. Lawrence County is extremely proud of the achievement of the team as student athletes for devoting the time and energy and putting forth an unselfish team effort thereby bringing honor and credit to their School, Town and County. It is with great pride that the Board of Legislators recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of the Hammond Red Devil Girl' Basketball Team and their coaches on the impressive and successful championship season,” legislators said.