Bay Rockets Girls Basketball Rallies From 14 Down to Stun Normandy in OT, 64-61

The Bay Rockets Girls Basketball team mounted a dramatic second-half comeback and outlasted Normandy 64-61 in overtime Saturday afternoon at Normandy High School, erasing a 14-point halftime deficit behind clutch late-game free throws and a dominant finish from Freshman Chloe Kazma.

Normandy controlled the game early, racing out to a 22-9 lead after the first quarter and carrying a 27-13 advantage into halftime as Bay struggled to find offensive rhythm. The Rockets’ defense began to turn the tide after the break, tightening on the perimeter and limiting second-chance opportunities to slowly chip away at the Invaders’ lead. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Bay had momentum and the confidence to close the gap.

The closing minutes of regulation proved decisive. Trailing late, Bay capitalized when Normandy missed a free throw that could have extended its lead to three. Down 53-51 in the final seconds, the Rockets pushed the ball up the floor, and Kazma drove hard to the basket for the tying layup with 6.8 seconds remaining, knotting the score at 53-53 and sending the game to overtime. Kazma scored 13 of her game-high 27 points during the fourth quarter and overtime, spearheading the Rockets’ late surge and adding seven rebounds in an all-around effort.

In the extra period, Bay continued to execute in pressure situations. Caroline Chilton, who had already delivered in regulation with two crucial free throws late in the fourth quarter, helped steady the Rockets on the glass and finished with four points and seven rebounds. Point guard Anna Weingart then delivered at the line in overtime, knocking down two key free throws that helped secure the 11-8 advantage in the extra session and close out the 64-61 victory. Weingart filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds and six assists, guiding the offense and creating opportunities for teammates throughout the comeback.

Freshman Anna Spellman provided another lift in the second half, scoring eight of her 12 points between the fourth quarter and overtime while also grabbing six rebounds. Her scoring complemented Kazma’s attacking presence and gave Bay multiple threats during its late-game run. Collectively, the Rockets’ rebounding from Kazma, Spellman, Chilton and Weingart helped flip the possession battle after halftime and limit Normandy’s ability to close the game out.

The performance showcased Bay’s resilience after falling behind by double digits early and struggling to just 13 points in the first half. By outscoring Normandy 51-34 after the break, including overtime, the Rockets turned a lopsided start into a signature road win. The victory not only highlighted clutch free-throw shooting and late-game execution but also underscored the development of a balanced core capable of responding under pressure as the season progresses.