Calhoun completes sweep of Mepham

Posted

Much like it did six nights earlier, Calhoun busted out to a big lead against rival Mepham on Feb. 1 and rode a balanced effort to maintain the top spot in Nassau Conference AA/A-III boys’ basketball with a 54-47 victory.

The visiting Colts, who won their seventh straight for the second time this season, exploded to a 13-2 advantage and led by as many as 16 points in the second half. Seniors Tom Cummings (14) and Patrick Gardner (11) scored in double figures and four others had at least six points as Calhoun improved to 15-2 overall and 9-1 in conference play. The Pirates (9-7, 4-5) got a game-high 16 points from senior Ricky Derosena.

“It’s always difficult to win in this gym,” Calhoun head coach Jay Kreutzberger said. “The noise makes it hard to communicate out there and it’s a great rivalry. Just like last week when we got off to a big start, we knew Mepham was going to keep coming at us. But we have enough mettle to overcome it.”

The Pirates, who never led, closed within 39-35 with 3:26 remaining before the Colts sealed the outcome with some clutch free throws down the stretch. Junior Jalen Rosemond went a perfect 7-for-7 from the line and junior Kevin Hannon sank 3 of 4 to help send Mepham to its fourth consecutive defeat and fifth in six games.

“I think we’ve played well over the last week, we just dug ourselves holes early on,” Mepham head coach Pat Fallon said. “We’ve got good kids and they’re always going to play hard. Hopefully we can right the ship and work our way into the playoffs.”

After scoring just two of the first 17 points in a 60-51 loss at Calhoun on Jan. 26, the Pirates’ best chance to lead in the rematch came before the opening tip but they failed to convert on two technical foul shots — awarded because of a dunk during warmups. When the action got underway, the Colts stormed out of the gate again and had all five starters score in the opening quarter as they built a 13-4 cushion through eight minutes.

Gardner, who ranks among Nassau’s leading scorers at 18 points per game, had six points and three blocks in the second quarter and Calhoun led 23-12 at halftime. “Patrick’s having an outstanding season and teams are always going to focus on him,” Kreutzberger said. “We have two other double-digit scorers and more complimentary pieces behind them, so even when Patrick’s not lighting it up we’re confident in our offense.” 

Sophomore Thomas Casimano gave the Colts their biggest lead of 33-17 with a layup early in the third quarter before Derosena and junior Nah’jel Sands (10 points) sparked Mepham’s comeback. The hosts enjoyed an 18-6 run but could get no closer than four.

With wins in its final two regular-season games, Calhoun would secure the conference title and potentially a first-round bye in the Class AA playoffs which begin next week.