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SBU Sports: Women’s basketball downs the St. Francis Terriers 75-59

by Press Release - December 16, 2022

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SBU Sports women's basketball — #15 Shamarla King takes a shot during last Saturday afternoon's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University women’s basketball team came out victorious in the clash of New York State teams, as the squad knocked off the St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers 75-59, inside Island Federal Arena on Dec. 10.

The Seawolves’ offense was paced by four different student-athletes finishing with over 10 points for the second time this season as graduate guard Anastasia Warren, senior guard Gigi Gonzalez, junior guard Shamarla King and sophomore forward Sherese Pittman combined for 57 of Stony Brook’s 75 points.

The tandem of Warren and Gonzalez gave the Seawolves their first 12 points of the game after Warren cashed in on her first two three point attempts and Gonzalez knocking down her next two three pointers. The squad would keep the momentum on their side following a layup by junior forward Nyajuok Toang that gave Stony Brook an 11 point lead and capped off its 10-0 run with two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Seawolves would head to the second quarter with a nine point lead as St Francis Brooklyn’s junior forward Bella Green converted a driving layup to decrease the Terrier’s deficit to seven before Gonzalez answered back with her own driving layup with 24 seconds left to play in the first quarter.

Stony Brook did not let up in the second quarter and took its biggest lead of the half from a three pointer by junior guard Kelis Corley to give the squad a 30-15 hold with 4:30 left in the half. The Terriers did fight back and cut the lead to five points, but a buzzer-beater by Gonzalez gave the Seawolves a 36-29 lead heading into half.

After halftime, Stony Brook did not slow down as it outscored St. Francis Brooklyn by nine points and shot a blazing 15-of-28 from the field (53.6%) in the second half. Pittman was a wrecking force in the paint during the third quarter, scoring eight points to push the lead to 11 points with 10 minutes remaining.

Warren took control in the fourth quarter, scoring seven of her team-high 21 points to lead the Seawolves to a 75-59 victory. Stony Brook’s biggest lead came in the final 48 seconds of the contest when it increased the deficit to 17 after freshman guard Khalis Whiting converted two free throws.

Stony Brook returns to action when it takes on Maryland Eastern Shore at Island Federal Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 21 with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m.

SBU Sports: Men’s basketball propels to victory over Sacred Heart

by Press Release - December 16, 2022

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SBU Sports Men's basketball — Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook men’s basketball team erased a 12-point deficit and came from behind to defeat Sacred Heart, 71-64, in a thrilling contest that saw 12 lead changes on Dec. 12 at Island Federal Arena. After being down 31-19 with 3:37 left to play in the first half, the Seawolves outscored the Pioneers 47-31 in the second half to ultimately secure the win.

On the Seawolves’ first possession of the second half, graduate center Keenan Fitzmorris dunked the ball with authority after a pick-and-roll play, sparking a 12-3 extended run for Stony Brook that cut its deficit to 38-36.

Stony Brook dominated throughout the rest of the second frame, outscoring the Pioneers by 16 in the half, en route to a 71-64 win at Island Federal Arena.

Fitzmorris followed the dunk with a jumper outside the paint that was assisted by junior guard Tanahj Pettway, scoring four consecutive points. He finished the game with 13 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the floor. On the Seawolves’ ensuing possession, Pettway pulled down a defensive rebound off a jump shot that was missed by Sacred Heart’s junior forward Nico Galette and drove down the lane for a layup that put Stony Brook on a 6-0 run.

After Sacred Heart guard Raheem Solomon drilled a three pointer off an assist from Galette with 17:37 left to play in the contest, the Seawolves went on another 6-0 run. Graduate forward Frankie Policelli and sophomore guard Kaine Roberts drained back-to-back threes to cut the deficit to just two, 38-36.

Stony Brook was able to cut the Pioneer’s lead down to a one-point deficit when Pettway grabbed another defensive rebound off a missed three from senior guard Joey Reilly and drove down the lane again and finished a layup and drew a foul. He made the free throw to complete the three-point play and Stony Brook was trailing, 44-43, with 13:20 left to play.

With 12:46 remaining in the game, Pettway had a huge steal defensively and ran the fast break for the Seawolves. With good ball movement, senior guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore found junior forward Kenan Sarvan open in the corner. Sarvan sniped a three pointer, right in front of the Seawolves’ bench, and gave Stony Brook a 46-43 lead. This lead marked Stony Brook’s first lead in the game since it was 4-3, just over two minutes into the first half.

The Seawolves and Pioneers battled throughout the rest of the game and with under two minutes remaining, up 65-64, Fitzmorris got the ball in the post on the low block. With the 6-foot-3 Solomon defending him, the 7-foot center spun towards the baseline and slammed home the finishing touches of the game.

Stony Brook ended the game on an 8-0 scoring run over the final 2:43 and held Sacred Heart scoreless for the final 3:20. The Seawolves improved to 3-7 overall on the season.

Comsewogue Warriors cage Rocky Point Eagles

by Bill Landon - December 16, 2022

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The Rocky Point Eagles had their hands full, facing a stout defense in a road game against Comsewogue.

In this Div. IV matchup on Thursday, Dec. 15, the Warriors broke out early, taking a 22-point lead going into the halftime break. The Eagles managed to outscore Comsewogue in the third quarter, but the Warriors slammed the door in the fourth, putting the game away, 49-29.

Leela Smith led the Eagles with 13 points, Julia Koprowski scored six and teammate McKenzie Moeller netted five.

Danielle McGuire topped the scoring chart for the Warriors with four triples and a field goal for 14 points. Hannah Ellis notched 11 and Lalynn Kirschenheuter banked 10.

The win lifts the Warriors to 3-1 in their division. They return to action on Monday, Dec. 19, with a road game against Westhampton. The Eagles travel to Port Jefferson Tuesday, Dec. 20. Game times are 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.

Centereach Cougars overcome Rocky Point Eagles during non-league contest

by Bill Landon - December 15, 2022

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After dropping their season opener to Bayport, the Cougars of Centereach looked to get into the win column during a road game against Rocky Point. They did just that, winning 46-28 in the non-league contest Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The Eagles, fresh off their win over Babylon the day before, struggled against the Centereach defensive press.

The underclassmen led the way for the Cougars, with sophomore Meaghan Grieco hitting five field goals and a free throw. Freshman Hayley Torres nailed three triples and a pair of free throws. Grieco and Torres matched one another in scoring, with 11 points apiece.

Rocky Point senior Leela Smith scored seven points for the Eagles. Sarah May added five and McKenzie Moeller netted four points.

Centereach had another non-league contest before beginning league play with a road game against Smithtown East on Dec. 12.

The Eagles retook the court on Dec. 13 with a road game against Westhampton, opening their league season play.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Ward Melville Patriots escape with victory

by Bill Landon - December 13, 2022

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The Patriots of Ward Melville were fortunate to escape with a 47-44 victory over Connetquot in a League II road game Dec. 12. The win was despite Brooke Elizalde’s performance, netting six three-pointers and three field goals for the T-Birds.

Ward Melville senior Julia Greek put in another dominant performance with seven field goals and three triples for 23 points. Senior Catie Edson netted seven points, as did sophomore Julia Dank, and teammate Grace Balocca, a junior, added five.

The win lifts the Patriots 2-1, and they are back in action Thursday, Dec. 15, when they host Centereach at 5 p.m.

Smithtown West Bulls wrestling shines at invitational

by Bill Landon - December 13, 2022

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Smithtown West hit the mats at the Carl T. Korpi wrestling invitational at Miller Place High School Dec. 10 with championship performances by Joseph Jaeger at 102 pounds, pinning his opponent in the championship final at the 3:09 mark.

Teammate Jack DiMaggio, at 138 pounds, defeated his opponent by a 4-2 decision, and Kenneth Leverich, at 145, ended it early, winning his match with a pin at the 1:23 mark. Michael Teplansky defeated Zack Wilson of Shoreham Wading River by major decision.

In consolation finals, Anthony Santaniello, at 145, defeated Vincent Zimmerman, of Centereach, and Philip Reneiris pinned his opponent at the 4:44 mark.

The Bulls are back in action when they travel to West Islip for a league matchup Dec 14 with the first bout scheduled for 6 p.m.

Miller Place Panthers press, contain Port Jeff Royals offense

by Bill Landon - December 12, 2022

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Competing on their home court, the Port Jefferson Royals struggled to gain traction against the defensive press of Miller Place during a non-league matchup Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Panthers were up seven points going into the halftime break but stretched their lead the rest of the way to win it, 53-37.

Joe Strickland led the way for the Panthers with 12 points, Tristan Stapleton netted 11 and Nick Fusco banked 10. Tyler Cobb topped the scoring chart for the Royals with 14 points, and teammate Luke Dickhuth dropped 11.

The win inks the Panthers’ first win this early season as the loss drops the Royals to 1-2.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Northport varsity cheerleaders excel in weekend double dip

by Steven Zaitz - December 9, 2022

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The Northport varsity cheerleaders competed in two separate competitions in two different states this past weekend and came out with two bids to compete on the national stage.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, they boarded a pre-sunrise bus to the Universal Cheerleading Association’s Pocono Regionals held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where they competed in two separate divisions — Game Day and Traditional. Cheer teams from all over the Northeast strutted their stuff, and Northport placed 3rd in the Game Day category and 9th in Traditional.

Based on this performance, they earned bids to compete in both categories at the U.C.A. championship held in Walt Disney World in February 2023 — the first time an N.V.C team has ever accomplished this.

The travel-weary troupe were back at it early Sunday morning in a Suffolk County competition and placed 4th in their first local competition of the season. Host school Longwood came in first.

The team is made up of seniors Kate Sheahan, Hailey Trudwig, Hailey Smolcnop, Stephanie Downey, Bridget Caulfield, Maddie Cianelli, juniors Olivia Robert, Alexa Ehrlich, sophomores Allie Bartholomew, Alexa Garrison, Emily Nichols, Sophia Stern, Lorena Della Vecchia, Brooke Wenger, Lindsay Grabowski and eighth-grader Marley Caccamo. It is led by Coach Steph Walsh.

SBU Sports: Men’s basketball puts forth valiant effort but falls to Yale

by Press Release - December 8, 2022

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The Stony Brook men’s basketball team went toe-to-toe with Yale in front of an energized crowd inside Island Federal Arena on Dec. 3. The Seawolves put forth a valiant effort as they were led by senior guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore and graduate guard Aaron Clarke, who each posted 20-point outings. Despite the Seawolves’ efforts, the Bulldogs were able to narrowly pull away, 77-72, to improve to 8-1 on the season.

Clarke made his Stony Brook debut and gave the Seawolves a lift off the bench as he scored 20 points in 22 minutes. The graduate checked into the game with 15:44 to play in the first half and scored his first points as a Seawolf at the 13:29 mark when he knocked down a three-pointer.

Stephenson-Moore led the way offensively for Stony Brook as he scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Stephenson-Moore helped fuel an 8-0 run in the second half as he drilled a three to cut Yale’s lead to 67-62 with 8:04 to play.

The Seawolves and Bulldogs traded blows down the stretch. Stony Brook was able to get within two points of the lead three times over the final eight minutes of the game, but Yale came up with an answer on each occasion. With 1:06 to play in the contest, Clarke converted a pair of free-throws to make it 72-70. Yale returned the favor by cashing in on two free-throws on the ensuing possession with 43 seconds to play to go up, 74-70. A second-chance layup by graduate forward Frankie Policelli cut the Bulldog’s lead to two points, 74-72, as he cleaned up a missed three by Stephenson-Moore with 15 seconds to go.

Yale was able to convert its free-throws down the stretch and go on to win by the final score of 77-72. The five-point margin of victory was the second-smallest of the season for Yale, its smallest margin of victory was three points when it defeated Hawaii, 62-59, in overtime earlier this season.

“This [experience] is something we can build on,” said head coach Geno Ford after the game. “Tonight we played hard and we played well — it just wasn’t quite well enough to beat a really, really good Yale team From a coach perspective, I’m disappointed we lost … but we took a huge step forward and this is by far the best we’ve looked.”

Up next, the team will travel to Rhode Island to take on Brown on Dec.9. A quick turnaround finds the Seawolves back at Island Federal Arena on Dec. 12, for a 6:30 p.m. tip-off against Sacred Heart.

SBU Sports: Women’s basketball falls to Bucknell Bisons in tough battle

by Heidi Sutton - December 8, 2022

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The Stony Brook women’s basketball team battled tough, but was ultimately edged by Bucknell, 64-58, on Dec 3 in Sojka Pavilion in Lewisberg, PA. Graduate guard Anastasia Warren paced the Seawolves with a game-high 20 points as she recorded her third 20-point performance of the season and first since November 14, against Iona.

The Bison outlasted the Seawolves in a back-and-forth contest. The score was tied a total of 11 times and the lead changed five times. Stony Brook led 46-42 with 1:59 to play in the third quarter following a pair of free-throws by sophomore forward Sherese Pittman. Bucknell used a 10-2 run that carried over into the fourth quarter to take a lead it would not relinquish.

Stony Brook battled until the final buzzer as it cut the Bison lead to as little as three points with 22.6 seconds to play. With 22.6 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Warren knocked down a three-pointer off a feed from senior guard Gigi Gonzalez.

Bucknell was able to close the game out down the stretch as Tai Johnson converted three of her four free-throw attempts over the final 22.6 seconds to give the Bison a 64-58 advantage, a score it would hold on to win by.

Warren finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points. The guard shot 9-of-23 from the field and 2-of-8 from three-point range. She grabbed four rebounds and swiped a season-high tying three steals. It marked Warren’s third 20-point game of the season as she also scored 20 points against Manhattan on November 10 (28 points) and against Iona on November 14 (28 points). Her 23 field goal attempts were a career-high.

Graduate forward Nairimar Vargas-Reyes nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and a season-high 12 rebounds. She shot 4-of-8 from the field and six of her 12 rebounds were of the offensive variety. The forward has pulled down 10 or more rebounds in four games this season. Sophomore forward Sherese Pittman scored nine points on 3-of-10 shooting, dished out a career-high five assists, and recorded three rebounds. Graduate guard Daishai Almond scored seven points, while senior guard Gigi Gonzalez totaled five points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Stony Brook won the battle for the boards by outrebounding Bucknell, 35-31.

“Bucknell is a good team that challenged us today. We will learn from this and continue to get better,” said head coach Ashley Langford after the game.

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