Glen Cove arrived at Massapequa High School for the Nassau County Class B quarterfinals ready to play. Jericho's offense, looking either intimidated, nervous or both, had the ball stripped by Glen Cove time and time again in the early minutes of play. Jericho managed only 6 points in the first quarter as Joe Johnson racked up 9 of Glen Cove's 18 first quarter points. Chad Gleason had a great steal on an inbound pass.

Todd Johnson kept the pressure up in the second quarter with his 9 points out of the 16 scored by the team. Glen Cove ended the first half with 34 points to Jericho's 23. Jericho actually outscored Glen Cove by one point in the second quarter - an omen of things to come in the third quarter when Jericho began a serious run. Six minutes into the third quarter Jericho began trading baskets within 7 points of Glen Cove. With a 6 point differential and the possibility of Jericho bringing the score to within 4,

Glen Cove's defense got a big stop. At the other end of the court GC's star shooter, Todd Johnson, buried a 3 pointer to stretch the lead to 9. As he has for the last three games Michael Puckett became a force under the boards with 13 rebounds getting high in the air over the taller Jericho team. With some picture perfect tip ins Puckett accounted for 8 points in the third quarter helping the team to a 16 point lead. Jericho known for its solid (75 percent) free throw shooting, made only 4 for 10 at the line during the entire game. Their star sophomore, Justin Zale, who usually shoots more points from the line than he does from the field, was never fouled. Zale found himself guarded by Glen Cove's premier defender, Tim Jackson, who did a fine job of limiting him in the final quarter. Struggling offensively earlier in the game, Allan Seaman came alive in the fourth. He scored 12 points, lofting several of his characteristic floaters through the hoop. Ivan Rivera scored 5 points, some from the foul line despite a painfully jammed finger.

Coach Jon Dolecki was pleased with the defensive play of his squad. Said Dolecki Úquot;I think our 1-2-2 zone surprised them.Úquot; Coach Dolecki and Assistant Coach, Glenn Cocoman, have to be pleased with the 75-58 final score.

Glen Cove will go up against Manhasset in the semifinals at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 26 at Massapequa High School. Glen Cove lost to Manhasset in an early season scrimmage, but in recent games Manhasset has only barely beaten Jericho and Garden City, teams that Glen Cove has dominated.

Glen Cove's highly athletic team is poised for a solid run at the Nassau County championship. Go Big Red!!!