Sewanhaka continues to grow

Sewanhaka’s record of 5-8 on the hardwood could lead one to assume that this is a team either underachieving or just not very talented. But that’s not the case. The Indians are just an example of the parts being greater than the whole.

Wins over Mineola, the first-place team in Nassau Conference A-IV, and Mount Sinai, one of the tougher teams among Suffolk County’s small schools, along with solid efforts against the likes of Wantagh, Great Neck North and Hewlett, make it easy to see that Sewanhaka has a program on the rise.

Last Friday’s 49-44 home win over Conference A-II rival Plainedge snapped a four-game losing streak, and kept Sewanhaka’s playoff chances alive. Sophomore Carlos Bodden led a balanced scoring attack with 11 points. Senior Matt Lugo put the game on ice by hitting a pair of free throws in the waning moments.

Indians coach Jay Allen is not as caught up in wins and losses as he is with the continued growth of his program. “We’re still a young team, so it’s a work in progress,” Allen said. “We’re going in the right direction, but there’s a lot that we can be doing better. As a coaching staff, we need to get better at preparing the players, and the players need to adjust to the way opponents play us.”

After getting off to a slow start to the 2012-2013 campaign, the Indians had a stretch where they won 4 of 5 games. In the win over Mineola, Sewanhaka got 19 points from junior Jabryl Chin, and Mahlik Elliot chipped in with 12 as it knocked off one of the county’s hottest teams.

It appeared Sewanhaka’s trek out east would result in disappointment when Mount Sinai raced out to an early 15-point lead, but the Mustangs found out that trying to run with the Indians was playing into their hands. Sewanhaka dominated the middle quarters, and held on for a 72-63 win. Bodden scored 21 to lead the way.

Allen likes his chances against anyone in a fast-paced game. “We’re at our best when we’re getting up and down the court,” Allen said. “We match up better with some of the elite teams than we do with teams that are struggling, because of the pace of the game. We need to get better at playing different styles.”

Bodden leads the team in scoring at 13.4 points per game, but junior Phil Repelone has been filling it up as well. Repalone scored a career-high 28 points in a loss to Glen Cove. Allen believes Repalone’s hard work, and his interest in becoming a better defensive player, will enable him to became a stronger all-around player as a senior.

“We’re trying to build a strong program, and I believe we’re on our way,” Allen said. “The best compliments I can pay these guys are they work hard every day, represent the school well, and serve as role models for the student body.”

Sewanhaka hosts Hewlett for its final home game next Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.