Huntington Girls’ Basketball Upsets Smithtown West

The Huntington girls’ basketball team jumped out to a big lead and never looked back en route to an upset of Smithtown West, 49-38 in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.

Lauren Donaghy, Gianna Forte and Ava McDonald all scored 14 points each in an impressive offensive display. Kayleigh Bender added five points. Reese Rinaldi had two points.

Huntington led 9-4 after the opening eight minutes and went ahead by 24-15 by halftime. The Blue Devils outscored the visitors in the second half, 15-23.

Donaghy had three three-point baskets in the game. McDonald dropped one three-pointer and added seven assists. Bender pulled down 10 rebounds.

“It was a great  team win,” head coach Mike Kaplan said. “We played great defense from the start. The girls worked well together. I’m so proud of them.

Huntington has struggled this winter with as many as five players sidelined by injuries. Forte is the team’s only senior. The Blue Devils have lost many close games, including more than a few that they held early leads in. But against Smithtown West, it was smooth sailing thanks to aggressive play.

“We moved the ball well offensively and did a great job rebounding,” Kaplan said. “We had control the from start to finish and never let them back in the game.”

Huntington plays at North Babylon today at 5 p.m. The season wraps up next Wednesday night. It was will be Senior Day in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium as Northport comes calling at 5 p.m.