Lauren Donaghy’s 18 Points Aren’t Enough for Huntington

Lauren Donaghy scored a season high 18 points, but the Huntington girls’ basketball team fell to visiting Copiague, 52-41 in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

Donaghy was great from the field, scoring from all over the court, including driving to the basket. Gianna Forte had 10 points and Kayleigh Bender added eight points.

Huntington was tentative in the opening minutes before opening a 14-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Copiague rallied to tie the game by halftime. The Blue Devils then sprinted ahead again by seven points after going on a 14-7 third quarter run.

With the Blue Devils seemingly in control, Donaghy was forced out of the game for several minutes and sophomore Allison Ntambwe, who scored three points and was the leading rebounder dropped to the floor and missed the remainder of the game. Huntington was unable to overcome their absence.

Donaghy eventually returned, but Copiague mounted a furious comeback, outscoring Huntington over the final eight minutes, 24-6 to put the game out of reach.

It was a tough loss to take since victory appeared to be within reach. Huntington earlier dropped games to Bay Shore (40-36), Half Hollow Hills West (43-30) and Half Hollow Hills East (50-31). The Blue Devils claimed victory over West Islip (34-26).

Huntington is determined to turn around its fortunes. It will get a chance on Thursday night at 5 p.m. at Smithtown West and again on Saturday at home at 10 a.m. against North Babylon. The Blue Devils travel to Northport next Thursday (December 23) for a 5 p.m. game.