H-ton Notches Historic Comeback on Senior Day

It’s a game none of the Huntington players will ever forget. Trailing by 12 points in the last quarter, they rallied for one of the greatest comebacks Louis D. Giani Gymnasium has ever seen. Down 42-30 to Sachem North, the Blue Devils went on an 18-1 run to claim a 48-43 victory before a crowd of 200 on Senior Day.

Huntington is headed to the playoffs. Saturday’s win improved the Blue Devils’ record to 10-3 in league play and 11-6 overall.

Huntington senior players Jolie Weinschreider, Grace Gordon, Ruby Baliber and Ruby Hoffman and team manager/statistician Bridget Callery were celebrated during a pre-game ceremony that saw head coach Perry Marinelli speak about each of the seniors along with remarks from their teammates. Their parents joined the teenagers on the court and posed for photos. The celebration continued after the game with a luncheon at Eatalia in Huntington village.

Weinschreider and Madyn Kalb both dropped 18 points to lead the Blue Devils. Weinschreider was especially effective beyond the arc, connecting on five three-point baskets along with pulling down five rebounds. Kalb added 10 rebounds and five steals.

Ava McDonald also had a three-pointer and six points overall along with five rebounds and five assists. Ava Bencivenga scored four points and had a pair of rebounds off the bench. Leighton Evans had two points and a rebound.

Marinelli made adjustments throughout the game and finally found the winning formula in the final frame as Huntington’s defense completely shut down Sachem North.

Well-known public address announcer Michael Feldstein deftly handled the play by play and he also played music during breaks throughout the game, creating a playoff-like atmosphere in the gymnasium.

Posters crammed with photos of each of the players were affixed to the wall padding at the end of the court. Blue and white balloons and streamers gave the bleachers a colorful appearance.