VSS tops Bayport for L.I. crown

Falcons headed to Glens Falls for first time

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The Falcons are flying to Glens Falls!

Sophomore Josh Robinson’s 3-point play with 2:37 left put Valley Stream South ahead to stay, and his blocked shot with a second to go preserved the Falcons’ 61-58 victory over Bayport-Blue Point in the Long Island Class A boys’ basketball championship game last Saturday at Farmingdale State.

Robinson lunged with his right arm and denied senior Tim Darby’s 3-point attempt from the top of the key to seal a thrilling back-and-forth game that featured nine lead changes and four double-digit scorers for each team.

“I just hoped I’d get my hand on the ball,” Robinson said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

A year after winning their first-ever Nassau County title, Valley Stream South (18-4) has its first L.I. crown, and will face undefeated Greece Athena in a state semifinal this Saturday at 9 a.m. at Glens Falls Civic Center. “I thought we were capable, but I wasn’t sure we’d be able to top last season,” VSS head coach Matt Johnsen said. “The guys just stuck together and battled every game. It’s awesome.”

Junior Dana King poured in a game-high 18 points, senior Tahj Wilson came off the bench to score 12, junior Hall Elisias had 10 points and 22 rebounds, and senior Murilo Pereira added 10 points to pace a balanced effort by the Falcons, who led 61-53 with 30 seconds left before the Phantoms made things interesting.

Sophomore Mike Darby — Tim’s younger brother — made a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left. After a Bayport steal, senior George Riefenstahl’s two free throws cut the margin to 3 with 9.3 seconds to go. South committed another turnover on the ensuing inbounds pass, but Robinson’s swat ensured there would be no overtime.

“This was like every other playoff game we’ve had,” Johnsen said. “We started a little slow, got back in it and found a way to win.”

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