TAYLORSVILLE -- It cost them a turnover, but it gained them a memory that will never fade.
For senior forward Jen Hazlett and sophomore forward Brittney Martin, it was a moment frozen in time.
With their first state 5-A girls basketball title well in hand, Syracuse begin subbing out each of its starters to a standing ovation in waning moments.
The final two, Hazlett and Martin, were still on the court with 20 seconds left and when it became apparent that clock would run out before the Titans could substitute, coach Rob Reisbeck had Hazlett toss the ball out of bounds and the two walked off the court to a roaring ovation.
"It was amazing; it's the best feeling ever," Hazlett said. "Our crowd was incredible."
Hazlett and Martin formed an unstoppable duo for Syracuse this season, combining for more than 35 points a game. During the four-game 5-A tournament, the two combined for 188 points -- an average of 47 per game, as the Titans steamrolled their way to an undefeated state championship.
Reisbeck felt it was a fitting end that they walked off the court together.
"Those two work so well off each other; They're incredibly complimentary of each other," Reisbeck said. "If one of the two was struggling this year, the other stepped it up. It's probably the best combination of players I've coached so far."
Saturday's 5-A title game victory caps Hazlett's four-year career, with the 18-year old senior set to suit up for Army next year.
"It was amazing getting to play with her," Martin said. "This was the finish to the season we wanted."
In all, the Titans lose five seniors, Hazlett, guard Meagan Butler, and post players Alea Lavatai, Hannah Williams and Ashley Hunzeker.
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