McGovern Dazzles on Senior Night
Kiernan McGovern put on a dazzling display on Senior Night in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium, scoring 26 points and helping the Huntington High School boys' basketball team clinch a berth in the Suffolk Class AA playoffs.
McGovern connected on six field goals, a pair of three-point baskets and eight points from the foul line to propel the Blue Devils past visiting Bellport, 67-47. It was a must-win game for Huntington, which needed a victory to qualify for the post-season.
Huntington took an early 12-8 lead and extended its advantage to 27-19 by halftime. The teams battled it out through most of the third quarter until the Blue Devils finally gained firm control, entering the final eight minutes of play with a 50-36 lead.
Huntington's seniors were honored during a short pre-game ceremony that saw each player called to center court where he presented a set of flowers to his respective mother. The group included McGovern, Patrick Reilly, Devon Nelson and John Vanderschuyt. (Senior Connor Birchard was sick and missed the game and ceremony.)
The hustling Blue Devils were aggressive on both ends of the court and head coach Brian Carey kept the team on its toes, repeatedly barking out commands and offering spirited advice and encouragement during timeouts.
Reilly's 16 points included three long three-point baskets that electrified the crowd. Nelson added 10 points to bolster Huntington's offense, which after a slow start was a model of consistency through much of the game. Skylure Pannell pumped in another eight points. Kevin Montefusco had four points and Kenny McCarthy knocked down a three-pointer.
The Huntington Highsteppers dance team performed with a group of Huntington High School boys during halftime. When play resumed, the Blue Devils went right to work and never let up the rest of the way.
Blue Devil Notes: Huntington outscored the Clippers in the second half, 40-28 . . . The Blue Devils scored 15 points from the foul line . . . Huntington finished with a 7-7 mark in Suffolk League IV . . . McGovern was 8-for-10 from the foul line . . . Former Huntington state wrestling champion and 1973 alum Charlie "The Rock" Gadson stopped in to watch some of the game.