Witherspoon's Career Night Propels Blue Devils
Raynisha Witherspoon turned in another remarkable performance, scoring a career high 20 points and adding 15 rebounds to lead the Huntington High School girls' basketball team past Half Hollow Hills West, 44-27 on Senior Night in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
Witherspoon was on fire for the Blue Devils, who were in a do-or-die situation. A loss would have dashed the team's hopes for a Section XI post-season berth. Huntington is 6-7 in league play and needs a win at West Babylon Tuesday night to clinch a playoff spot.
The Blue Devils opened a 13-2 first quarter lead before the Colts rallied in the second frame with a 12-6 run to cut their deficit to 19-14 at halftime. Huntington kicked into high gear in the second half, outscoring Hills West 25-13 to nail down the victory.
It was a career-game for Witherspoon, known as Ray-Ray by her teammates and coaches. "Ray is very much focused right now and in the zone," said Mike Kaplan, Huntington's head coach. "She had some huge shots throughout the night. She never gave up."
Freshman Mackenzie Maloney had a career-high eight points and four assists. "She really stepped up and played an outstanding defensive game," Kaplan said.
Freshman Katie Nugent contributed three points and seven big assists. "She was able to get the ball to our post players when they needed it," Kaplan said.
Seniors Laurelle Byrne-Cody and Colleen Wright, who were honored during a pre-game ceremony, scored four points each. "They really ended their senior night on a great note," Kaplan said. "They hustled and played amazing defense and contributed to this victory."
Freshman Heather Forster crashed the boards for 10 rebounds and added three points. Freshman Tara Byrnes had two points. A small crowd of about 125 cheered on the Blue Devils.
Huntington is going through a rebuilding season with seven freshmen players on the varsity squad. "I am very pleased with how are team is playing a whole unit," Kaplan said. "They understand what we have been trying to do all season and are connected together on the court. I was very proud of them tonight and the senior leadership was outstanding."