Cougars Nab Big Win Over Syosset

The Bellmore JFK boys basketball team lost a close one to Plainview JFK on Monday, but the Cougars rebounded last night with a convincing 58-37 win over visiting Syosset.

"This was big," coach Rory Block said. "Syosset is a very good team. It means so much in this league with only one team from the conference making the playoffs."

Currently Kennedy is tied with three other teams with a 4-2 record in their conference and a 7-4 record overall. 

"They were great.  It's a very important win," Block added.

In a game that started off slow, the Cougars grabbed an 8-5 lead after the first period and never looked back. Junior Joey Karo hit a big three-pointer from way behind the line that sent the fans to their feet.

Turnovers were a problem for the Braves, who must have been nomadic due to several traveling violations in the first half. The Cougars seemed to make every mistake and miscue hurt the Braves scoring time and time again after a turnover.

Following the bucket, the ball was immediately stolen off the inbound by junior Michael Teich and laid in after a skilled move on two converging Braves.

"Great game, great job," Block said as Teich walked off the court late in the fourth.

Most notably was a play late in the second period by Cougars senior Brandon Mills, who scored a hard earned two points after a strong rebound.  Block gave his men credit for not allowing the Braves to gain momentum heading into the second and fourth quarters.

"Our size, especially Brendan Mills, wore them down a little," Block said.  "They really didn't have an answer for him. He's in his fifth year on the varsity team. He's really stepping up at center, grabbing rebounds, scoring points. It's nice to see."

Guard Karo, who nearly sent Monday's game into overtime with a buzzer beater missed a three-pointer in the final minute, led the Cougars with 18 points, including two three-pointers.

Center Brian O'Gorman, who played sparingly, scored five points for the Cougars in his time on the floor. O'Gorman, the tallest player on either team, was a very effective presence on defense, forcing any Brave approaching the key to alter his shot to avoid O'Gorman swatting it away.

The home team's large crowd was boisterous all night, making it almost impossible for the Braves to concentrate.

"That's Cougars Nation up there," said game supervisor Christine Guglielmo. "They gave themselves that name."

Guglielmo added that the Kennedy student government is coordinating an event called "Jam the Gym" for the boys' next home game on Jan. 22.

"It's a great event that helps spread school spirit," she added. There are giveaways and door prizes, it's just a great idea that gives the kids something fun to do."

Look for Kennedy to cruise crosstown to Calhoun on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and then back at home on January 22 at 7 p.m. against East Meadow.