By Leslie Feffer
After opening the season with two losses on the road, the Adelphi University Men's Basketball Team (1-2) beat the University at Stony Brook (2-2) at home on Nov. 25 by a margin of 69-55.
"We had a rough start up in Vermont," Adelphi head coach Steve Clifford said of his team's performance at the St. Michael's Tip-Off Classic. "I thought that tonight we played better. Stony Brook is very quick and aggressive. A couple of times we had them on the ropes, but we couldn't put them away."
The Panthers starting lineup has a new look with key newcomers, freshman guard Ryan McCormack and junior center Ahmad Jackson, joining senior point guard Jeff Donato and junior forwards Chris Bernard and Justin Mallis.
For much of the first half Adelphi held the lead, ending the period with a 33-24 advantage. With 9:30 remaining in the first period, Stony Brook tied them at 14-14 and then briefly led 18-16 three minutes later. Adelphi rallied back to take the lead into halftime.
Although the home team never fell behind in the second period, they allowed the visiting Seawolves to tie them at 39-39 with 14:40 left in the game. The Panthers launched a comeback largely by Donato and Mallis (17 points, six rebounds).
Much of Adelphi's success can be attributed to Jackson (game-high 18 points and 14 rebounds), the first true center that the team has had in a very long time. His teammates and coaches have much praise for him. "He works hard and he's a good learner," said Clifford. "Ahmad is very coachable and a good kid. He's working out great."
"I love it here and I'm having so much fun," Jackson said. "When I first came here I definitely felt some pressure, but coach and the co-captains made me feel at home." His presence completely changes Adelphi's personality from a finesse team to a more physical one.
While he enjoyed his time in Division I at Hofstra University, the team wasn't suited to his style of playing. Fortunately, he feels more comfortable at Adelphi. "I like to shoot my jumper and feel comfortable when I play," said Jackson. "I'm getting back to how I used to play in high school." Jackson was selected as a McDonald's All-American and a Nike All-American when he played at New York City's Archbishop Molloy High School.
I was pleased that we played with a lot of composure when they made their runs and we had quality possessions," the coach said. "It was a very good win." It was also an interesting one by looking at some of the game's statistics. While Adelphi host 49.1 percent from the field compared to Stony Brook's 36.7 percent, the home team was out-gunned from three-point territory. The Seawolves connected on 8-16 of their long-range shots while Panthers only made 2-9. However, the most unbalanced statistic of the game was that Stony Brook only took four free-throws (and made three), while Adelphi made 13-23 from the stripe.
Donato, who contributed 10 points and a game-high six assists to the team effort, is high on his team's talents, depth and versatility. "It's starting to pick up a little and we're working really hard," said the co-captain. "We're a good team and we'll be fine-we've got the talent."
In spite of the Panthers bumpy start they are all confident and optimistic about the season. "It's going to take some time for people to get used to each other," Clifford said. "I think it'll take 8-to-10 games before we really find our niche. We're going to be very good."
Collegiate Athletic Conference powerhouse College of Saint Rose at home on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
By Angela Marchesi (12th grade)
A massive, spirited pep rally was held at H. Frank Carey High School's gym to honor three of the school's very successful sports teams recently. Students flocked onto the bleachers to support the girls' tennis and swim teams as well as the football team. The entire school rose for the national anthem, performed by the Carey marching band, under the direction of drum majors Jon Holford and Tina Romano, and it was time for the fiesta to begin.
"This was a unique event put together to give tribute to Carey's finest sports season in history," said Carey principal Tom Dolan. "We wanted to make sure that the entire school understands that hard work and achievement deserves praise. We could not be more proud."
Loud screams and clapping were heard around the building, as the winning football team ran out into the center of the gym floor. Team members include Andy Okolski and Eric Van Keuren. The team was cheered on by members of the cheerleading team, including Danielle Dagorn, Angela Buccitti and Jill Hulsart. The band also played many upbeat numbers such as Give Me Some Lovin and Soul Man. Talents such as Chris Boylan, Stephanie Curraro and Lee-Ann Kimball wailed on their instruments, making the marching band's performance even more enjoyable.
The next teams to be honored were the girls' tennis team and the girls' swim team. This year the tennis team, coached by Melissa Maroney and Kathy Liegey, was a huge success, and went down in Carey history. It was the first time ever that the Carey tennis team was undefeated, 12-0. The team won All-Conference as well as All-Division honors. All-Division honors were also earned by team captain Kris Maniscalco, first doubles team Stephanie Curraro and Colleen Keane, second doubles team Angela Marchesi and Jennifer Liantonio, and third doubles team Beatriz Barrera and Jennifer Kim. The girls' swim team, overseen by Marty Stern, had an awesome season as well. Team members such as Krissy Sendrowski and Melissa Kolackovsky were awarded All-County honors, and many team members are headed for the state championships.
After an ending number from the marching band, the rally ended and the football team was off for a hair-raising event, Carey's first football playoff game for years, at Hofstra University's stadium. Carey students, faculty and alumni filled the stands. The crowds in the stadium were jamming with excitement in the chilling winter air. Carey dominated the first half, with a score of 12-0, and the crowd went wild. Impressive plays were made by David Crist, Tom Tooker and Chris Finley. Streamers and confetti filled the air, while the cheerleaders and the pep-band pumped up the crowd. Carey's impressive side-line and half-time show featured the marching band, the Pirettes kickline and the color guard. The show was one of the best every performed. During the song Give Me Some Loving, Pirettes such as Jannine DeMarie, Annette Cotty and Cindy Negron kicked and danced their hearts out, while Matt DeStefano (aka, the Seahawk) ran around the field waving the school flag. The crowd roared with enthusiasm.
During the second half, the feelings of victory wore sour. Lawrence started to get some plays in and they scored two touchdowns. Carey and Lawrence were neck and neck, and fans waited with great anticipation and anxiety for their next moves. One of the final plays of Carey almost gave them the win. Carey quarterback Dave Crist tossed the bomb, and receiver Tom Tooker ran the ball down the field, scoring an apparent touchdown. Fans screamed with excitement and cheered him on as he approached the other side of the field. The excitement of the play was short lived, though. The referee threw out a yellow flag. The touchdown didn't count. Carey fans couldn't believe their eyes. Many thought the call was unfair, and favoritism was given to the Lawrence team. The game was ended on a sad note with a score of 15-12, and the win going to Lawrence.
Even though the day did not end as Carey wished, it was still a great day. The varsity football team came so far this season. The team made everyone at Carey very proud. The pep-rally was a huge success, and the winning teams were honored and respected. School spirit traveled through the building, and out to the Hofstra Stadium. It was an experience that many Carey students will never know again. Congratulations again to the football, tennis and swim teams for record-breaking seasons and their tremendous achievements.
