It took lots of extra effort and an overtime period, but the Huntington varsity girls’ basketball team nipped Smithtown West on its home court, 42-40 to remain perfect after three games.
Huntington went ahead 10-6, but Smithtown West grabbed the lead after going on a 12-4 second quarter run. The Blue Devils trailed 25-21 heading into the final eight minutes and needed to rally to send the contest into overtime, where Huntington ultimately prevailed.
Emily Plachta enjoyed another career night, pouring in 27 points and adding 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals. Katie Browne scored nine points and Junie Nosile had four points. Makaylah Frazier also connected for a basket.
The victory in the league opener gives the Blue Devils an overall mark of 3-0. Huntington hosts North Babylon on Friday at 4 p.m. in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
Plachta and Nosile were both named among Newsday’s Top 100 Girls’ Basketball Players for 2021/22. Both Blue Devil stars plan to play in college.
The 5’10 Plachta is coming off a junior season that saw her average 16.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The 6’5 Nosile, who Newsday called an “imposing force,” averaged 9.5 points and 15 rebounds.
Huntington has three games scheduled for next week. The Blue Devils host Half Hollow Hills West on Monday at 4 p.m. in a non-league contest. Huntington travels to Smithtown East on Tuesday for a 5 p.m. tipoff. The Blue Devils then host highly regarded Half Hollow Hills East on Friday at 4 p.m.