The West Hempstead boys’ basketball team is having quite the season so far with a 9-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in League 8 A/B.
The Rams have won three games in a row against Syosset on Dec. 29, Farmingdale on Jan. 3, and conference rival Carle Place last Friday.
A team that’s been a winner in six of its last seven enters the second half of its season playing its best basketball.
“I think we’re playing a lot smarter,” West Hempstead head coach Eric Rubin said. “It’s nice to coach these kids because we can come in with a game plan they’re able to execute the game plan. I think they’ve shown a strong will. We’ve had some games where we’ve had league and we’ve kind of slowly seen those leads dissipate. We’ve been able to battle back and hang on, like against Farmingdale.”
The Rams beat Farmingdale, 53-51, but led by double digits in the second half. The pressure started to build as Farmingdale, a Classs AAA school, cut into the deficit, forcing West Hempstead to make some plays. Junior guard and forward Alex Davis and Yency Duran have stepped up for the Rams. Davis finished with 16, while Duran poured in 14 of his own. Davis averages 19.2 points per game, which is tied for ninth in Nassau County entering this week’s action.
“Alex has been terrific for us,” Rubin said. “Against Farmingdale, he hit some really big baskets late in that big win. When we needed some hoops, he stepped up and provided us with baskets and he’s done that all season. He goes early in the morning before school to work on his game; he’s really dedicated and he’s having a great season.”
Duran is averaging just 9.4 points per game but has scored 10 or more points in six of his last seven, with his season-high coming in the team’s loss against Valley Stream North on Dec. 23.
The brother tandem between senior Jonathon and junior Jamir Houston has brought this team to the next level. Even if they’re not providing double-digit point performances, they make their presence felt in other ways.
“Jamir has been outstanding, he’s one of the best players in Nassau County,” Rubin said. “People might see the points per game and think he’s nothing special, but anyone who sees him play is like, ‘wow, he’s terrific.’ He gets every loose ball; he’s a great defender. He creates so much for us on offense, even though he’s the kind of plays a power forward for us.
“Jonathan has been really rock-steady for us as a point guard,” Rubin said. “He brings a lot of poise and experience. He rarely turns the ball over. He creates for his teammates. He’s a pass-first point guard.”
Against Syosset, West Hempstead trailed by 19 points in the third quarter, until they erased that deficit and won 64-58. Senior CJ Feglia finished with 15, as the Rams outscored their opponent 35-19 in the second half.
Feglia was someone who knocked down clutch free throws in the win against Carle Place. West Hempstead’s 19-point lead was erased, but it was Feglia who drove to the basket and got to the charity stripe when his team needed him most. The Rams held on to beat Carle Place 59-52.
The Rams are back in action on the road on Thursday against Oyster Bay. Tip-off is set for 6:45. p.m.
