The boys basketball team dropped a close game at Garden City Tuesday night in a Conference A-1 showdown. The Warriors have dropped many close games this season and their overall record of 3-7 and 1-5 in conference is not indicative as to how hard and well they do play.
Heroes- John Reicherter remains a major threat for the Wantagh offense. He is a very diverse player that can play down low or from the shooting guard position. Reicherter has a good feel for the basket and nice release from beyond the arc. He led his team with 22 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three assists. Justice Perez continues to be Wantagh’s mid-range threat as he turned in a solid nine points and five-rebound performance.
Turning Point- The game featured two very evenly matched teams. Reicherter and Dan Colamussi were exchanging blow for blow on both sides of the court as each one tried to outdo each other. It was a back and forth battle the whole way. The crowd and both teams sensed it was going to come down to the final minutes. That is exactly the way it went down as Garden City was up 55-54 late with 19 seconds left in the game. Wantagh fouled Colamussi and sent him to the line. Colamussi has been in this type of pressure situation before and stepped up to the line with confidence. He knocked down both free throws to give the Trojans a three-point lead. Wantagh took the ball down court and set up one final play. Reicherter was able to get off two three point attempts off, as Perez grabbed an offensive rebound, but was unable to hit either as the defense was right on top of him.
Quotes-
Wantagh head coach Keith Hunter said after the game, “We knew their main offense came around their big guys. I thought our 2-3 zone worked pretty good to neutralize them. Unfortunately we missed a few guys on our inbound plays, we left a guy open in the corner one too many times. I’m watching my guys go out their every day and work hard. It was a disheartening loss, but we just have to keep our heads up and stay positive.”
Garden City coach Larry Steimer said after the game, “We played well in spurts. We have to give Wantagh a lot of credit. We were up six or seven they would come back with big baskets. Colamussi and [Griffin] Eilbeck had good second halves and overall I’m very pleased.”
Bottom Line-Colamussi and Reicherter continued their strong seasons on Tuesday. They both are the workhorses and go to guys for their respective teams. They are both complemented by very talented players. Wantagh boasts Perez who is a consistent knock down shooter. Eilbeck of Garden City is a great complement to Colamussi on the opposite or same side of the floor.
Who’s Next- Wantagh will next be in action against Westbury at home on Friday night starting at 6:15 p.m.
Teams 1 2 3 4 Final
Wantagh 14 11 14 15 54
Garden City 16 10 18 13 57
