Newfield’s season ends with loss to Ward Melville
By Bill Landon
It was Neelesh Raghurama’s long-range shooting prowess that powered the Patriots (No. 9) over the Wolverines (No. 8) with four triples and five field goals for a team high 22 points, leading Ward Melville in a 62-38 win over host Newfield in the opening round of Suffolk AAA playoff action Feb. 21.
Newfield stayed within striking distance trailing by eight points to open the second half but struggled to gain traction against a potent Patriot offensive press in the final 16 minutes of play.
Rounding out the scoring for the Patriots were Devin Lynch with 14 points and Lorenzo Beaton netted 12.
Josh Hayes topped the scoring chart for the Wolverines with 12 points.
Newfield concludes its 2023-24 basketball campaign with a 10-6 league record, 12-8 overall.
Undefeated Bay Shore ended Ward Melville’s run with a 60-40 win in the quarterfinals Feb. 23. The Patriots took home a 9-7 league record, 12-10 overall.
