Calhoun overcomes foul trouble for 12th win

Still counting the days until senior point guard Chris Stokel can make his season debut, Calhoun solidified its playoff standing and remained in contention for the Conference A-2 boys’ basketball title with a 63-54 victory over Glen Cove on Feb. 2.
The Colts, despite four players fouling out, scored 40 points in the second half on the way to beating Glen Cove for a third time this season to improve to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in A-2. Junior Matt Kalfas, who’s running the point during Stokel’s absence, poured in a game-high 20 points before fouling out with 2:45 remaining, while senior Chris Zaveckas scored 15 of his 18 after halftime.
“I’m really proud of the resiliency our guys have shown throughout the season,” Calhoun head coach Jay Kreutzberger said. “Glen Cove is physical and plays a fast-paced game. It’s tough to beat a team three times. We weren’t disciplined on defense tonight, but we were consistent enough on offense and got solid contributions off the bench.”
Each of the first two meetings came down to the wire. Calhoun defeated the Big Red, 73-66, in overtime in the season opener as part of Wheatley’s tournament behind Zaveckas’ 43 points, then took the first conference battle between the teams, 45-43, on Jan. 5 behind senior Bryan Pena’s 16.
“We know each other so well,” Kreutzberger said. “Even though we threw in a few wrinkles, there’s only so much you can do.”

Glen Cove, which was led by Gio White’s 17 points, led for much of the first half and held a 25-23 edge at intermission. A frantic pace contributed to Calhoun’s foul trouble, which included three starters.
The third quarter featured four lead changes and mounting fouls for the Colts. They took a 39-36 lead into the fourth thanks to a three-pointer by Hank Finne, who eventually fouled out.
Calhoun stretched its cushion with strong play during the first three minutes of the fourth quarter and got offensive contributions from Kalfas, Pena and seniors Matthew Edouard and Brian Matalevich. It led 49-38 with 5:16 remaining and never led Glen Cove get closer than 7 despite Kalfas, Pena and junior Tommy Bello also fouling out.
“We started the season 8-0 and we’ve been grinding,” Kreutzberger said. “I believe when we’re at full strength, we’re one of the better teams in the county in Class A.”
Zaveckas is averaging a team-best 18 points per game, followed by Pena (15) and Kalfas (13.)
Kreutzberger said Stokel’s return from an ankle injury is imminent. Stokel averaged 25 points per game in the Covid-shortened season and “elevates the play of everyone around him,” Kreutzberger said.
“He recently joined us for practice and I’m not exactly sure when he’ll play, but the latest will be for the playoffs,” Kreutzberger said of Stokel. “We’re a different team with him on the floor. He’s played with all these guys for years, so I’m not concerned about chemistry.”
The Nassau Class A playoffs are scheduled to begin Feb. 16.