Shooting War at West Hempstead Won By Indians

Sharp-shooting. That's how the West was won -  or atleast that's how the match-up at was determined this Saturday when the Rams took on the Indians. The Rams could not prevail in a back-and-forth game against the first place Manhasset team, who defeated them, 73-59.

The Saturday afternoon varsity boys game had originally been scheduled for Friday night, but was moved due to inclement weather.

The Rams kept the score close in the first quarter, but eventually the Indians' solid passing attack and sharp shooting from guards Alessandro Troia and Dan Merola wore down West Hempstead's offense.

Score: Manhasset 73, West Hempstead 59

Heroes: Team captains Tyree Glascoe and Greg Cecere led the Rams in scoring. Glascoe had 24 points and Cecere had 19.

Turning point: The Rams kept the score even throughout the first quarter and into the second. But the Indians aggressive rebounding on offense and defense helped them pull away at the halfway mark, 41-33. They were able to continue that momentum into the second half.

Coach's Corner: "Their big guy [Gary] Tibbs was a real difference maker," said Rams Head Coach Ed Cosgrove. "He controlled the game on the inside on the both the offensive and defensive boards."

"We didn't play very smart at times and they took advantage of our mistakes," said Cosgrove. "Overall though, I thought it was a good game and the score was not indicative of how hard we played."

Bottom Line: Manhasset's big man Gary Tibbs played like a man among boys. He used his strength and size to dominate the smaller Ram's defenders. West Hempstead had much difficulty keeping him out of the paint and it made a big difference.

Key Stat: Glascoe's and Cecere's scoring in the third quarter helped get the Rams back into the game. They each hit multiple shots to close the gap to six points by the end of the third quarter, 52-46, but it was still in favor of Manhasset.

Box Score:

Who's next: The Rams take on Great Neck North on Jan. 11 at 6:15p.m.