Rams nip Mules in tournament

The consolation game of the Hank Williams Memorial Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Malverne High School last Sunday afternoon between the host Mules and West Hempstead featured some interesting storylines with three juniors facing their former teams.

The visiting Rams, with former Malverne players Dimitri and Derick Joseph, held off the Mules, 70-66, with former West Hempstead player Jamesky Choisi. Senior Darren Davy’s 21 points and 16 rebounds led the way for the Rams, who sealed the outcome down the stretch thanks to the smoothness of junior Anthony Beaubrun from the foul line. Beaubrun (17 points) sank seven free throws in the fourth quarter.

“It was a back and forth game, and a gut-check win,” coach Ed Cosgrove said after West Hempstead improved to 6-1 overall. “We were up eight going into the fourth quarter, but they got within two. We did a nice job to hold on with one player down and a few in foul trouble.”

Dimitri Joseph, who had six points, went down early in the second quarter with an ankle injury and didn’t return. Cosgrove said he’s likely to miss this Friday’s non-league game against Carle Place at home at 6:30 p.m. Derick Joseph, who eventually fouled out, finished with 13 points. Senior Donovan Steele chipped in eight points. 

Choisi was one of six Malverne players to score at least seven points. He had eight. Senior Jarmell Richardson (12) and junior Kevin Young (11) reached double digits, while Prince Scott (nine), Danny Williams (eight) and Aaron Jackson (eight) contributed offensively. “We had spread-out scoring,” Mules scorekeeper Joe Eaderoso said. “Both teams played pretty well. It was a high-paced game.”

The Mules (1-5 overall) led 22-19 after the opening quarter, but the Rams took a 35-33 lead into the locker room at halftime. Davy was dominant in the paint and helped extend the advantage to 51-43 after three quarters. “Darnell was a beast,” Cosgrove said. “He’s averaging a double-double so far.”

As strong a game as Davy enjoyed, Cosgrove thought Beaubrun was just as important in the victory. “I don’t think we win without him,” Cosgrove said of Beaubrun, who had eight points in a 65-48 loss to eventual champion Farmingdale in the opening round of the tournament last Friday. “He played the entire second half and did a great job handling the ball and handling their pressure.”

The Mules, who open Conference B-C play at East Rockaway next Tuesday evening, dropped an 83-66 decision to Port Washington in the opening round of the tournament. Jackson had 24 points and seven rebounds, senior James Wheeler added 15 points, and Choisi netted 12 points.