Clutch wins for West Hempstead

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When the 2016-17 basketball season tipped off at West Hempstead, there was guarded optimism. The Rams were coming off a dismal season, but with their top scorer back, and a myriad of athletes that could make contributions on the roster, there was reason to think the team could turn things around.

Despite a tough start against quality, non-conference opponents, West Hempstead has things back on track. After the Rams pulled out a 52-50 home win over Island Trees, last Saturday afternoon, they stand at 3-2 in Nassau Conference A-IV boys’ basketball. John Granholm knocked down a pair of free throws with six seconds to play to provide the margin of victory.

The Rams blew a big lead in the final quarter, but head coach Ed Cosgrove will take the win. “We held on,” Cosgrove said. “This is a real big win for us, because with three teams at 3-2, including Island Trees, it gives us a head-to-head advantage over them. Hopefully, this will be a game that pays dividends for us down the road.”

Island Trees, which had recently defeated Valley Stream South, would be hard to put away. The Bulldogs trailed by 13 points when the team took the floor for the final eight minutes, but they clawed their way back.

Kevin Dixon, who finished with a game-high 17 points, led Island Trees on the comeback trail. His put back with 30 seconds remaining tied the score at 50, setting the stage for Granholm’s free throws. 

The junior point guard was fouled as he drove to the basket, and then calmly gave the Rams the lead. Nicholas Carita’s 30-footer at the buzzer went around and out. Christian Martinez scored 11 points, and Zion Spruill added eight points and pulled down a dozen rebounds to lead the Rams.

Cosgrove is pleased with the input he is getting from three of his seniors. Spruill, Savion Thorpe, and Matt Morel, who generally come off the bench, have provided a big boost to the team on both ends of the floor.

“The contributions from the three of them have been keys to our success,” Cosgrove said. “Whether they’re providing additional scoring threats or doing a good job on the boards, they’ve made a difference. Their contributions have been more and more instrumental as the season has gone on.”

Martinez has been as good as advertised. The senior guard is averaging a team-high 15.8 points per game, and has reached double figures in all but one of the team’s 12 games. Granholm is second on the scoring charts at 9.1 per contest.

“We need to get better at executing in the fourth quarter and finishing off games,” Cosgrove said. “Our focus and intensity have to be better. When the game is on the line, we’re not taking advantage of possessions. We’re turning the ball over or not getting off a good shot. Thankfully, today worked out for us”

The Rams welcome in Valley Stream South on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 4:30 p.m.