Hewlett keeps playoffs in sight

Two steps forward, one step back.

It’s a pattern Andy DeBernardo expected in his first year as the head coach of the Hewlett boys’ basketball team.

After winning three in a row, Hewlett was knocked back by the hand of Manhasset last Friday, falling 82-63. But despite getting tossed around at home by a strong conference rival and perennial county champion contender, the Bulldogs never once had their tails between their legs.

“What I was proud of most is that they never gave up,” DeBernardo said. “We played until the buzzer. Our guys were diving on the floor down 16 points. A lot of teams could’ve just folded and just called it a night. These guys did not.”

Trailing 20-18, the Bulldogs appeared to be a formidable challenge for one of Nassau County’s top teams. But by the end of the half, they were reminded why Manhasset has that recognition.

“There’s no need to sugarcoat it,” DeBernardo said. “They didn't miss many shots. They were better than us. I thought we could go with them. The first quarter was one of the better quarters we’ve played all year, and then they just blew us out in the second. No matter what defense we were playing, it wasn't working.”

If anything, the loss serves as a reminder of how many more steps Hewlett must take to get to where DeBernardo thinks it can be, but it’s not as if the team is that far off.

Justin Ogilvie had a season-high 33 points versus Manhasset, while Justin Ortiz added 13.

With their play this season and how they feed off each other, the J.O. duo is drawing comparisons to some substantial company.

“It’s like a variation of the old Michael Jordan, Larry Bird commercial where it was like they play match for match” DeBernardo said. “One game, one explodes, and then the next one, they flip-flop.”

What Hewlett has lacked is some depth scoring. They had some against Manhasset with 9 points from Luke Rockler, but more is still needed.

Of anyone, Frantz Limage has the ability to provide it, but he was held off the scoresheet against Manhasset. From passing to rebounding and everything else in between, Limage has excelled. But when it comes to putting the ball through the hoop, it’s felt as if there’s been a proverbial cap on the rim.

“I'm hoping that something, somewhere, in the next couple of weeks turns for him,” DeBernardo said. “He's been practicing really well.”

At 7-5 overall and a split of its first six conference games, Hewlett can continue its trend of two steps forward and one step back. It needs to win four of its last eight to qualify for the playoffs, which would make for one giant leap.

“I hope we get to everybody's goal, which was to make the playoffs,” DeBernardo said. “Once you're in, anything could happen.”

The Bulldogs will look to avenge a loss to Kennedy when they host the rematch Thursday at 7 p.m.