Blue Devils Topple Commack to Advance to Final Four

Ava McDonald is the spiritual leader of the Huntington girls’ basketball team so when she limped off the court in the fourth quarter at Commack on Thursday night, the Blue Devils held their collective breath. But after some TLC on the sideline, the sophomore came running back with her leg wrapped in an Ace bandage to give her teammates a lift and propel them to a 42-38 victory in a wild finish before a standing room only crowd.

The 5’5 McDonald is not one to be easily denied. The feisty teenager hustled up and down the court making things happen while the team’s outside shooters, Lauren Donaghy, Sabrina Boyle and Jolie Weinschreider found their range. Grace Gordon contributed rebounds and Madyn Kalb played great defense despite finding herself in foul trouble for much of the game. Huntington kept it close, eventually opening up a seven point lead.

But Commack responded by going on a 12-2 run to take a small lead. The Blue Devils stayed within a few points until capitalizing on several turnovers and converting some foul shots. Boyle scored on a running one hander and Donaghy dropped a three pointer from the corner.

Commack was forced to start fouling to get the ball back and things stayed interesting right down to the final seconds. A string of Blue Devils scored from the free throw line and the team’s defense held off Commack’s comeback attempt.

Donaghy led Huntington with 13 points and Boyle added 11 points. McDonald scored six points and Madyn Kalb had five points. Weinschreider and Gordon both dropped four points.

“Our team knew from the moment we stepped onto that court that we had a job to do and when the final buzzer sounded, we proved it,” McDonald said. “Throughout the game, we kept our composure, trusted our coaches and believed in ourselves. We understood that pressure is a privilege and we were ready to face the challenge that a great Commack team would bring. Despite the adversity, we remained focused, blocked out the noise and stayed true to our game plan that Coach [Perry] Marinelli prepared for us. It was a team effort from start to finish and that’s what ultimately led us to an unbelievable game.”

Marinelli has proved to be a steady hand under pressure and he’s at his best managing the team late in a close game. He has a calming, yet inspirational presence and his players responded at Commack, carrying out his instructions in near flawless fashion.

“I feel fantastic about this game,” Weinschreider said. “We really came together, which gave us the outcome we wanted. From 1-20 players, we supported each other. The key was our teamwork and energy. We had so much adrenaline building up and our mindset was where it needed to be. We went by the Four C’s, which was cool, calm, collected and composed. I am so proud of every single one of us and cannot wait to continue this season.”

Huntington is 16-5 in Marinelli’s first season as head coach. Large student cheering sections dominated each team’s bleacher space. There were constant chants and cheering throughout the game. Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy, Deputy Superintendent Chris Hender and Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack watched patiently behind the Blue Devils’ bench. Principal Rochelle Brown was in the bleachers. They were among the happiest when the final buzzer sounded.

Huntington will play No. 1 seeded Brentwood in the Suffolk Class AAA Final Four on Wednesday, March 5 at Comsewogue at 7 p.m.

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