Huntington Girls’ Basketball Stays Unbeaten

The Huntington varsity girls’ basketball team keeps winning. The Blue Devils edged Bellport on its home court earlier this week, 52-47 to notch the first league victory of the season and improve to 4-0 overall. The loss was the Clippers first of the season and dropped them to 3-1.

Bellport took a 16-13 first quarter lead before Huntington went on a 15-10 second quarter run to head into halftime with a 28-26 advantage. The teams battled to a 9-9 third quarter stalemate before Huntington closed it out in the final minutes.

Blue Devil junior Lauren Donaghy led both teams with 28 points, eight rebounds and four steals. The teenager dropped five three-pointers. Freshman Ava McDonald scored 10 points, eight assists and five steals.

Huntington senior Kayleigh Bender enjoyed her best game of the season with eight points and 15 rebounds. Freshman Madyn Kalb scored four points on a pair of field goals. Junior Jenna Italiano had two points.

Bellport is well coached team with a cast of talented players, so the Blue Devils knew they were in for a tough fight. The crowd was into the game, which made for an exciting atmosphere.

“I am very lucky to be a part of the basketball team,” said senior Reese Rinaldi, one of Huntington’s defensive specialists. “We all have such a close relationship and it shows on the court. I think that we will go far this season and continue to win.”