Daniel (24 points) and Doherty (10, including eight in the fourth quarter) starred offensively as the Lady Sailors exploded for 23 fourth-quarter points to rally past Hempstead, 56-49, on Jan. 8. Led by Treasure Hayes (20) and Eya Drayton (16), the Lady Tigers took a 10-point lead into the fourth. “Hempstead had an incredible shooting game,” Manning explained. “It’s probably the best I’ve seen them shoot. We took all their punches but kept battling. That’s a sign of a good team.”

Oceanside won four of five non-conference games, including a thrilling 50-48 triumph over Seaford on Dec. 29 behind sophomore twin guards Claire and Megan McNamara. Claire scored a team-high 17 points, while Megan’s three-pointer with four seconds remaining won it. “They’re really emerging in the backcourt,” Manning said of the McNamaras. “Claire’s got a heavy burden running the point, and she’s doing a great job. We’ve really cut down on turnovers compared to recent seasons.”