By Robert Cole
Playing without two key starters put the Bayside boys’ basketball team in a bind that the Commodores couldn’t overcome, as they fell 86-44 to Mount St. Michael in a non-league matchup Saturday in the Bronx.
Despite the loss, head coach Steve Scharf was still proud of his team’s effort.
“We have a very high character team,” Scharf said. “There are no excuses or blaming other guys in the locker room. We’re just going to get back at it.”
Team captain senior Shaun Deleon echoed his coach’s sentiment, saying he believes the teammates gave it their all.
“Whoever plays us we are going to play with effort and that is all that matters,” Deleon said. “There are no excuses for the loss, no focus on the score, just an emphasis on the team’s effort, and a reminder that although the team plays to win, how you play the game still matters.”
Playing without starting center Riki Holloway and small forward Jordan Low, the Commodores’ offense had difficulty getting on track. The team committed nine turnovers in the first quarter, which helped Mount go on an 11-0 run as they ended the quarter with a 19-5 lead.
Bayside improved its offense game with 17 points in the second quarter, led by Nahjee Brightharp, who scored eight of his 11 points in the frame. But Mount’s defense continued to create turnovers and they took a 22-point lead into the half.
Mount opened the second half with a 7-0 run to increase its lead to 51-22. The Commodores struggled with their shot and scored just six points in the third period, giving Mount a 67-28 lead going into the final quarter.
The Commodores did not give up, though, and went on a run after converting on three consecutive three-pointers, one each from Edward Cahill, Anthony Grillo and Kenneth Marin.
Mount managed to fend off Bayside to secure the 86-44 victory.
“The effort’s always a 10 out of 10,” Scharf said. “I am just proud of how they play. They never dog it, they really give it their all, and they want to get better.”
