The Mamaroneck basketball team kicked off its winter season in high style on Friday night, topping Harrison 73-54 in the annual Harry Jefferson Showcase at White Plains High School. And while it may not have been the most complete game they will play this year, their showing against the Huskies proved just how dangerous the Tigers can be when everything starts to click.
After a back-and-forth first half that saw the Tigers head into the intermission with a 27-23, Mamaroneck turned things around in the third quarter, opening a 17-point cushion against the Huskies. Mamaroneck coach Tyrone Carver credited Harrison with a their play early on, but pointed out that once his squad was able to apply more defensive pressure in the second half, things began to fall into place.
Aidan Roy—who has named the game’s MVP with 17 points and six assists—also had five steals to spark the Tigers on the defensive end.
“I have to give all the credit to Harrison, they came out tough,” said Mamaroneck coach Tyrone Carver Jr. “But in the third quarter, I felt we started to settle in and begin playing our game, which is creating points off of our defense.”
In addition to Roy’s 17 points, fellow senior Ethan Glassman poured in 17 of his own. The Tigers also got big contributions from freshmen Will Plunkett and Brandon Burrell who both had nine points.
“We’re missing a few guys who are out with injuries right now, but in the meantime we’re just working hard to be the best that we can be,” said Carver. “It was nice to see some of the new guys come up big and I’m looking forward to seeing them build off of that.”
Harrison was led by Joe Gjokaj, who had 15 points and Matthew McCoy, who scored 10.
The Huskies will be back in action on Dec. 15, when they host league rival Eastchester. Mamaroneck will take on Peekskill on Dec. 13, after press time, before hosting its annual Tiger Tourney this weekend.
As the Tigers move through the season, Carver said they are looking forward to getting some of their injured players back as well as the continued development of his underclassmen as well up players like Cosmo Hardinson (who had six points on Friday) and Jason Cox, who returned to the program after focusing on football for the last three seasons.
“We’ve got to continue to work hard,” he said. “But without a doubt, over the last two years this has been a special group.”
