VSS defeats North Shore

Posted

Valley Stream South stomped into North Shore on Jan. 3 and left with an authoritative 66-50 boys' basketball win over the Vikings. 

The Falcons’ press, a staple in their early-game defensive approach, stifled North Shore and forced turnovers leading to an early 13-point lead.

“We press every game, but we’re still working out the kinks,” VSS head coach Matt Johnsen said. “We pressed in the first and we wanted to see what they did in the halfcourt in the second, and they did a good job.”

Johnsen, referring to North Shore’s effectiveness in the second quarter without the dangers of the press, scored 17 points whilst holding VSS to only 6.

North Shore’s David Aufiero and Liam Kunkel both downed a three-pointer, with Kunkel hitting a layup to take its first lead of the game with 1:43 to go in the first half, leading to a VSS timeout.

“Our defense in the second quarter allowed us to get into transition and attack offensively,” North Shore head coach Kevin Carpenter said. “We definitely want to push the tempo whenever possible.”

After the timeout, VSS’s Aaron Davis and Brandon Gosley both scored layups to give the Falcons a 30-28 halftime lead.

However, after cutting the lead to just two points at half, North Shore had trouble stopping VSS from shots in the paint, with Corey Powell netting 8 of his 12 points in the third quarter. VSS also started to assert its authority on the boards in the third, utilizing its height advantage. Gosley, South’s 6’6” center, grabbed 9 rebounds through three quarters.

“Rebounding is always the key every game,” Johnsen said. “We have (Brandon) who gets on the boards for us. I don’t think we did a great job of that in the first half, but in the second I think we did a good job of limiting second chances.”

VSS closed three quarters of play with a 17-point lead and relied on its playmakers to take them home early on in the fourth quarter. One of those playmakers, Davis, was instrumental in breaking North Shore’s pressure and making tough shots in the lane while keeping defenders busy. He finished with a game-high 18 points.

“The way Aaron can slow and calm the offense, all while being double and triple teamed, is invaluable,” Johnsen said.

South’s other playmaking guard, Matthew Benavides, looked quick and shifty with good court vision and solid IQ. He had 16 points. “I thought Matt did a great job attacking the rim and taking the right shots today,” Johnsen said. “Having our guards play well is key.”

North Shore’s Kunkel finished with 13 points, while Jarrett O’Day added 10, and Aufiero and Will Scarola both finished with 8. The balanced output, however, couldn’t push the Vikings ahead in this one.

“Turnovers hurt,” Carpenter said. “The kids are always working hard. We just have to stay positive and get better.”

North Shore is back at home this Saturday for an early 10 a.m. tipoff against Mineola. Valley Stream South is home to Friends Academy on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m.