By Andrew McClure
The games weren't too friendly to the Rocks this time around, as the cross town Owls came out on top in each game.
In the girls Varsity game, Lauren Penso scored a career high eight points and grabbed four rebounds to lead Lynbrook to a convincing 50-33 victory. A combination of solid defense by Lynbrook and East Rockaway's inexperience led to eight second quarter turnovers by the Lady Rocks. Penso scored six of her eight points in the second quarter, leading the Lady Owls to 22-14 lead at the half.
Lynbrook put the game away early in the second half, as Daniella Pereira, who had six points and seven rebounds, and Shannon Doody led the Lady Owls on an 8-0 run. Kelli Hughes led East Rockaway with 15 points.
The boys' game was one for the ages. The Rocks seemed in control throughout, yet in the end, it was Lynbrook emerging victorious with a thrilling overtime win. Ryan Hantverk scored 24 points, including a game-winning, 12-foot jumper with eight seconds remaining, to lead the Owls. The Rocks were led by Matt Marra's 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The game appeared to be all East Rockaway early on, as the Rocks held Hantverk in check, and guards Blake Newman and Joe Collura controlled the pace of the game. But, Lynbrook guard Jon Velasquez, who would finish with 13 points, kept the Owls in the game with his quickness and ability to finish fast breaks. The Rocks held a five-point lead at the half.
Lynbrook would turn to Hantverk in the second half. The senior guard scored 17 of his points after the break. Every time the Rocks looked to have the game in hand, Hantverk would come up big for Lynbrook.
In overtime, East Rockaway held a four-point lead and had the ball with just under a minute remaining. But, the Rocks went cold from the free throw line, and the Owls took advantage. Junior Ryan Siems hit an open three to get the Owls within a point, and to set the stage for Hantverk's heroics. Shane Murphy added 15 for the Rocks. The Owls took the game 67-64.
Both junior varsity games were won by Lynbrook.
