Reilly Lifts Huntington
It took the Huntington High School boys' basketball time to hit its stride in the league opener, but once the shots started to fall and the defense established its footing, the Blue Devils were unstoppable en route to a 53-39 victory over visiting Hauppauge.
The teams battled to a 15-15 draw through the first eight minutes of play, a stretch that saw neither team manage to score for long stretches. Huntington opened a 27-19 halftime lead by going on a 12-4 second quarter run, electrifying a crowd that swelled to nearly 300 at one point.
Patrick Reilly led the Blue Devils with 14 points. Kiernan McGovern added 11 points. Huntington's pressure defense led to numerous Hauppauge turnovers. The Blue Devils had 19 steals on the night.
Huntington (2-1) outscored the Eagles in the second half, 26-20 to lock-up the victory in the Suffolk League IV opener. Connor Birchard had eight points and seven steals for the Blue Devils. Devon Nelson also pumped in eight points.
The Blue Devil defense was impressive throughout, frustrating Hauppauge's offense and playing with grit and determination. Huntington also enjoyed a lopsided advantage in rebounding, bringing down multiple rebounds on the same trip down the court on more than one occasion.
Blue Devil head coach Brian Carey hopes to build on the victory as Huntington enters the bulk of the league season in the coming weeks.
Blue Devil Notes: Kevin Montefusco had six points . . . Kenny McCarthy came oh-so-close on several three-point attempts . . . Reilly and Scott Gulizio each had four points from the free throw line . . . The Huntington Highsteppers competitive dance team performed at halftime . . . Finley Principal John Amato stopped to watch some of the game . . . The Huntington Booster Club sold food and refreshments during the game . . .