The Cozzi/Perfetto team was back in action after a tough opening weekend. Their opponent this week was St. Edwards of Syosset who was undefeated after their first two games of the year. St. Mary’s jumped out to an early six point lead due to tenacious defense by Brendan Trotta and Donovan Barcelona which resulted in several early baskets in transition by John Buerger and Chris Diskin. Joey Terenzi, Matt Perfetto and Charles Balsamo continued to apply pressure late in the first and second quarters and had several steals each which pushed St. Mary’s lead to 11 points at halftime. The boys from St. Edwards would not go quietly and a furious third quarter cut the lead to 3 before a late steal and layup by Dillon Magee pushed the lead back to 5 at the end of the third quarter. Alex Cozzi led the boys at the beginning of the fourth quarter with incredible intensity which pushed the lead to 10. Strong rebounding and ball movement led by Hunter Panzik helped to seal a 46-34 win for the boys from St. Mary’s.
St. Mary’s Eiber team won a nail-biter against Our Lady of Peace Lynbrook, picking up their first win of the season in stunning fashion. The Gaels got off to a slow start, struggling to find their rhythm in the first quarter against a very good opposing defensive effort. Down by 10 points late in the first half, the boys began their comeback, sparked by key baskets from Jake Moss and a deep three pointer from Michael Waltos. Nicholas Clinco was huge on the defensive end going forward, while Michael Phelps and Jack Flannery made big plays down the stretch to cut the lead, before a Dylan Rorech buzzer-beater from 25 feet out tied the game at the end of three quarters. In a chaotic fourth quarter, Mark DeGaudenzi showed unbelievable leadership, knocking down tough shots and pulling down countless rebounds to keep the game close. Ben Griffith came up in the clutch, hitting a nice jump shot to take the lead, before free throws secured the win for St. Mary’s.
—Compiled by John Kiggins
