Hampton’s Heroics Lift H-ton Over Deer Park
Andrew Hampton played his best game of the season to lift the Huntington High School boys’ basketball team over visiting Deer Park in a Suffolk League IV contest, 50-41.
Huntington (6-1 overall; 3-0 league) trailed after eight minutes, 9-6, but then went on an 18-9 second quarter run to open a 24-18 lead by halftime. The Blue Devils never trailed in the game the rest of the way.
Deer Park (4-3 overall; 2-2 league) was a worthy opponent, staying within striking distance until the final minute of play. “Deer Park’s is always a well-coached team that comes to play,” said Brian Carey, Huntington’s veteran head coach. “We stepped up in the final minutes and got the job done. It was a great team effort.”
Hampton went 7-for-9 from the floor and scored 16 points, including a string of baskets in the final two minutes. Kenny Charles had 16 points, including a pair of three-point baskets. Kenny McCarthy added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Shyheim Brewster tallied 13 rebounds and two points.
“This was definitely a big win for us,” said the team’s playmaker Scott Gulizio, who scored five points and played superb defense. “It demonstrated that we can play with anybody. We were all playing together and had great teamwork. This is only the beginning for us and I hope we can keep it up.”
The game was a physical affair, with both team battling for every rebound, every loose ball and every possible advantage. Huntington’s players were happy with the outcome, especially after ratcheting up their intensity in the final minutes.
“This game means a lot to us,” McCarthy said. “Being able to defeat a team that has had successful runs in the past shows that we are capable of doing a lot this season. This win tonight was a result of us playing fearless and having trust in each other. With this same attitude we can do anything we put our heads to.”
Blue Devil Notes: Huntington outscored the Falcons in the second half, 26-23 . . . Hall of Fame wrestling coach Lou Giani was in attendance for the game . . . Former Huntington basketball star John Deren McCarthy watched the game from the stands . . . Huntington notched seven points from the foul line . . . Gulizio connected on a three-pointer . . . The Blue Devils’ only loss this winter came at the hands of Hempstead in tournament play at Cold Spring Harbor . . .