H-ton Girls’ Basketball is Perfect at 3-0

The Huntington varsity girls’ basketball team entered the week with a perfect 3-0 record after victories last week over non-league foes Half Hollow Hills West and Islip in Louis D. Giani Gym.

Huntington got off to a torrid start, outscoring Hills West 21-0 before heading into the locker room at halftime with a 22-10 lead. The Blue Devils let the game get close in the second half before pulling away again in the final minutes to post a 41-30 victory.

Ava McDonald led Huntington with 14 points and seven assists. Lauren Donaghy had 11 points and Kayleigh Bender added 10 points and 13 rebounds. Jenna Italiano had three points and five assists. Leighton Evans (two points) and Jolie Weinschreider (one point) also produced offense for the Blue Devils.

Against Islip, Huntington trailed early, 14-8 before going on a 12-0 second quarter run to take a 20-14 lead into halftime. Islip rallied in the third quarter to narrow its deficit to one point, 27-26. The Blue Devils eventually put the finishing touches on a 42-37 win in the final two minutes.

Donaghy led Huntington with 14 points with Bender adding 12 points and 11 rebounds. Weinshreider had her best game of the season, dropping 11 points along with seven rebounds and five steals. McDonald and Italiano combined for five points.

Huntington’s defensive play has been solid throughout the first three games with everyone contributing, including Reese Rinaldi, who has forced numerous turnovers.

“Basketball is going well,” Bender said. “The progress we’ve made since last year is something that doesn’t go unseen and to think we have even more unlocked potential is exciting. With league play starting up, I’m feeling confident that we will continue in the right direction and dominate in this new league. I’m enjoying every second of my last season playing basketball.”

Huntington opens up league play this week with games at Bellport and Centereach.