Powerhouse Programs To Hit Coliseum Court

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By Andrew Wroblewski
awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

Three powerhouse Huntington-area boys basketball programs are set to hit the court at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale this Sunday.

Colts, Tigers to square off

First up, the Colts of Half Hollow Hills High School West will take on the Tigers of Northport High School in a non-league showdown set to tip-off at 4 p.m.

Hills West (10-3) has reached at least Suffolk’s quarterfinals in each of the last eight seasons, including Long Island titles in both 2010 and 2011, and a county title in 2016.

This year, the Colts are near the top of a competitive League IV. They’re fueled by a talented offensive trio of Derek Brower Jr., who averages 23.7 points per game; Brent Bland, 11.5 ppg; and Jeff Terry, 11.2 ppg.

The Tigers (12-1), meanwhile, have reached the Suffolk semifinals in three of the last four seasons – including in 2016 when they fell to Hills West – and won the 2013 Long Island championship.

Throughout the 2017-2018 season, Northport has been consistently near the top of the Suffolk League II standings. The Tigers have a balanced attack headed by Sean Walsh, 14.2 ppg; Parker Pierce, 10.5 ppg; and Ian Melamerson, 10.1 ppg.

Tickets are $10; include access to the Long Island Nets game on Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m., also at Nassau Coliseum; and can be purchased through Longisland.gleague.nba.com/high-school-basketball.

Defending Suffolk champs face private school powerhouse

Then, at 6 p.m., the Thunderbirds of Half Hollow Hills High School East will face private school Chaminade.

Hills East (10-2) has made the playoffs each of the last four seasons, including last year when it won the program’s first-ever Suffolk championship.

The Thunderbirds are undefeated in league play this season and lead League III. They’re fueled by Savion Lewis, Long Island’s top-scorer, on average, at 33.8 points per game. Lewis was also one of two Long Island boys basketball players to be nominated for the 2018 McDonald’s All-American games – a first for the Hills East program.

Hills East also has strong secondary scoring options, including Julien Crittendon, who averages 14.5 points per game; and Kendall Nero-Clark, who averages 11.3 points per game and has four double-doubles this season.

Their opponents, the Flyers of Chaminade, are 11-1 this season, score just over 70 points per game and allow just under 54 points per game, on average.

Last year’s Catholic school Long Island championship, Chaminade has won 10 straight games dating back to Dec. 8, 2017.

Tickets are $10; include access to the Long Island Nets game on Saturday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., also at Nassau Coliseum; and can be purchased through Longisland.gleague.nba.com/high-school-basketball.