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Mostly Cloudy Rocks upset Owls in Friendship Games
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East Rockaway's Dylan Giliberti, left, pulls down a rebound in front of Lynbrook's Alex Maini during the Rocks victory over the Owls in the Friendship Games.
Kathy Leistner/Herald
Junior forward Mike Castellano’s steal and put-back off a missed free throw with 20 seconds to play gave East Rockaway a four-point lead en route to a 47-40 win over neighborhood rival Lynbrook in the annual Friendship Games played at East Rockaway. Freshman guard David McClure put the game away with a steal and three-point play moments later. Senior Ryan Clark scored 13 points to lead the Owls.
East Rockaway coach Joe Lores was happy with the victory. “This was our first big test of the season,” Lores said. “Regardless of records or the level of talent, this game is usually a nail biter. The kids always get up for the Lynbrook game. It’s nice to get the win.”
While the Rocks held the lead for most of the contest, the score was close throughout. East Rockaway held a 20-16 lead when the teams headed to the locker rooms at the half. The Rocks were aided by a strong bench which outscored the Lynbrook bench 10-4 for the game.
The Rocks extended the lead to 30-25 after three quarters, but the Owls came storming back to tie the game at 30 with 6:20 to play in the game.
East Rockaway senior guard Joe Todero, who missed the entire preseason and the team’s first three games while nursing an ankle injury, brought the crowd to its feet by nailing a huge three from in front of the home team’s bench to give the Rocks the lead.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch. But each time the Owls got close, the Orange and Black would answer. Finally, with the Rocks holding a 42-40 lead, Lynbrook put McClure on the foul line with :24 left on the clock.
The free throw went in and out, setting the stage for Castellano’s steal and lay in. Castellano finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Senior Dylan Giliberti scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds for East Rockaway, which improved to 4-0 on the season.
Lady Owls prevail by 10
In the first game, Lynbrook’s Lady Owls handed East Rockaway its first loss of the season with a 46-36 decision. Senior guard Jessy Rosen scored 16 points to lead Lynbrook. The Lady Rocks were led by Leanna Deguilio’s 16 points and five rebounds.
Neither team could find any rhythm in the opening quarter. The Owls held a 5-2 lead after eight minutes. The second quarter belonged to Deguilio. The senior forward hit a trio of three pointers to give the Lady Rocks a 16-14 lead at the break.
Lynbrook took a 29-28 lead into the final quarter, when Rosen and senior guard Shannon Doody (eight points, five assists) took the game over. The duo combined for 12 of the Lady Owls’ 17 fourth-quarter points.
East Rockaway made a late run, but a lay up by sophomore guard Brooke Gerstman put the game away for the Lady Owls. Sophomore Maria Randazzo added seven rebounds for Lynbrook.
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