Sports

East Rockaway edges Malverne

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East Rockaway boys’ basketball head coach Joe Lores believes he has one of the best players on Long Island — senior guard Danny Fusco. And after the team’s Nassau ABC matchup against Malverne on Feb. 4, someone would have a tough time arguing with him.

Fusco exploded for 38 points and six assists, leading the Rocks to a 77-73 shootout win over the rival Mules. His 14 fourth-quarter points helped secure his team a victory, in what was a wild back and forth contest.

“(Fusco) is incredible,” Lores said. “For him to have the kind of year he’s been having, and now finishing up the way he’s finishing up, it’s just a pleasure to watch.”

Malverne, missing two of its top players, Michael James and Kareem Headley, still managed to put up a tough fight. Makhia Effs, Kian Kimanyen and Joshua Rivers all reached double-digit point totals for the Mules.

“Considering we were shorthanded, I thought we showed heart and tried to play the best we can,” Malverne assistant coach Walter Aksionoff said. “I’m proud of the kids.”

The game began with both teams making an effort to attack on the inside. East Rockaway converted four opening quarter layups, while the Mules made three. 

Early on in the second quarter, the Rocks jumped out a 19-12 lead. But Malverne finished the half on an 18-8 run, behind strong offensive play from Kimanyen and Rivers.

With a minute remaining in the third quarter, the Mules held a 43-42 advantage. Fusco then began to heat up, delivering a three pointer and a layup to put East Rockaway back on top going into the fourth. 

Fusco continued his dominance into the game’s final quarter, scoring basket after basket to help his team preserve its lead all the way to the finish.

“That’s when you got to go,” Fusco said. “Fourth quarter, that’s winning time. You have to find a way to make shots.”

Malverne remained within striking distance, aided by clutch offensive play by Effs, but failed to get stops. Timely three pointers from Rocks’ junior Devin Ralph, senior Nick Parziale and senior Eric Graves kept the Mules from ever fully closing the gap.

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