Carey peaking at right time

With a rash of injuries early in the 2013-14 season, Carey had a difficult time finding its stride. However, the Seahawks are a team that understands how to overcome adversity and persevere. Just a season ago, Carey struggled mightily the first time through the league schedule, only to win five of its last six regular season games and advance to the quarterfinal round of the boys’ basketball playoffs.

The Seahawks lost starting forward Andrew Ris and backup center Eddie Cosgrove for the season with shoulder injuries, and had others banged up in the early going, but Carey is healthier now and playing its best ball of the season.

In last Friday night’s 77-59 road win over Jericho, the Seahawks got 17 points and 11 assists from senior guard Dylan DeMeo, and 17 points and eight assists from junior forward Kieran Murchie. Senior Adrian Denner added 15 points and 11 rebounds for Carey, which improved to 7-5 overall, 6-3 in Conference A-I. DeMeo didn’t commit a single turnover in the game.

The Seahawks have won three of their past four games and are hoping to finish strong and secure a high playoff seed. Head coach Marty Kelly likes the way his team has been playing. “We’re getting better, but we keep saying that we haven’t played our A game yet,” Kelly said. “If we’re playing at our best, I really think we can play with anyone.”

Carey’s recent surge began with a 66-42 road win over New Hyde Park. Denner, who is averaging 18 points and 12 rebounds per game, scored 20 points and pulled down 12 boards to lead the way. Sophomore Mike Catanese scored 12 points as Carey ran out to a 36-21 halftime lead and cruised.

Catanese is one of the players who squashed the effects of the injury bug by taking his game to another level. The 6-foot-3 guard, who has emerged as a shutdown defender, is also contributing on the offensive end with a terrific mid-range jumper and solid court awareness.

The hot streak continued with a 59-48 victory over a strong Freeport five in the George Emma Classic at Freeport High School. DeMeo scored a season-high 23 points to lead the Seahawks. Denner scored 10 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, while Tommy Gallant added seven points, 16 rebounds, and three blocked shots.

DeMeo entered the season nursing an ankle that he injured in the county championship football game, but he’s been nothing short of outstanding. DeMeo buried 5 of 6 three-pointers against Jericho, and is shooting nearly 60 percent from downtown for the season. 

Kelly hopes his team is ready for a postseason run. “We’re now as healthy as we’re going to be,” Kelly said. “We’re looking to get as high a playoff seed as possible, get a home playoff game, and see how far we can take it.”

Carey will welcome in Wantagh this Friday at 4:30 p.m. The Seahawks took the first meeting, 69-42.