Thursday, October 1, 2026
Behind standout performances from Julien Dumornay and Bryce McIntosh, and a huge third quarter, Malverne took down North Shore, 60-44, in a Nassau boys’ basketball League 7-A clash last Saturday.
It was the second time this season Malverne beat North Shore by 16, with the first matchup dating back to Dec. 12 when the Mules beat the Vikings, 76-60.
With the win, Malverne improved to 12-4 overall and 7-1 in league. This win also improved its chances of clinching the league title, considering it now has the two-game tiebreaker over North Shore, which is in second place. Even so, the Mules have their eyes set on much bigger accomplishments.
“I’m not thinking about [playoffs], I want to go to Glens Falls,” said Malverne head coach Darroll Lopez, referring to the state Final Four. “I want to win a county. I want to win a Long Island championship. I want to win every game I can. I’m worried about my kids getting better every day in practice.”
For North Shore, it fell to 5-9 overall and 5-2 in league. One more win clinches a playoff berth, so every game means something going forward with the tight race for second place on the line.
“Our goal is to go 5-0 or 4-1 the rest of the way, coming in second place and get a home playoff game,” North Shore head coach Ryan Berglin said.
It was a back-and-forth defensive affair through the first half, with both teams trading buckets. Malverne pulled away after a 17-0 run in the third quarter on the backs of Dumornay and McIntosh’s double-doubles.
“There was no big secret; they might have been a little tired, but my guys are still in good shape,” Lopez said. “They can move the ball; we attack the basket. We do well in the third and fourth quarters.”
Dumornay had 15 points and 12 rebounds, while McIntosh recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds. Dumornay scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half and has recorded a double-double in three straight games.
“Just going up strong and being confident,” Dumornay said regarding what worked for him in the second half. “I’m a strong guy.”
Mules’ point guard Shane Lee made an impact on both ends of the court, flying around on defense and getting out in transition for quick buckets. He finished with 12 points, eight assists and knocked down all five free-throw attempts.
“Defense makes offense,” Lee said. “I feel like if you play strongly from the first half, we’ll win the game by many points.”
Three Vikings scored in double figures. Marco Camps led the way with 13, while Matt Marinello and Del Neal each recorded 11.
North Shore led 23-22 at halftime, as the Vikings limited the Mules’ fast-paced offense for much of the first two frames. North Shore captain Grady Butler had fast hands on defense, which led to buckets in transition and his 8-point afternoon.
The Vikings are back in action on the road against League 7 opponent Friends Academy on Feb. 2 at 6:45 p.m. Malverne hosts Seaford on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m.
