Greenport Basketball Wins North Fork Bragging Rights

The suspense kept growing.Would Greenport extend its perfect record and win the battle for North Fork boys' basketball bragging rights? Would Mattituck, which trailed by 14 points in the first half, be able to complete a noteworthy comeback?

The estimated 500 spectators who filled the Greenport gym Saturday afternoon watched the home team survive to gain a 62-59 victory.

"I thought that game had a lot of intensity," said the Porters' senior standout, 6-6 Dantre Langorne, who scored a game-high 23 points. "This is big (for his team) because we know we can compete against teams that bring tough competition."

Coach Al Edwards' team  (11-0) owns the best record for all 60 public school varsity teams in Suffolk County. The Tuckers (8-4) lost their third-straight game despite a gritty effort the last three quarters.

"We gave them a pretty good fight," said Mattituck senior Mike Mangiamele.

"I am proud of my kids. Every time it looked like they would knock us out, we came back," said Mattituck Coach Paul Ellwood.

The Tuckers said two specific reasons created extra incentive."We came here with a little chip on our shoulders," said Tom Sledjeski. "We should've played this game at Mattituck."

The annual non-league game was originally scheduled for the Mattituck, but was postponed when the gym floor was being repaired. And, on Saturday, the Mattituck gym was busy all day hosting the annual North Fork Wrestling Invitational.

 Mangiamele also said the Tuckers felt disrespected before the opening tip.

"They posted things (on the internet) saying we are a joke and that it would be an easy win, but, obviously, they had to earn it," he said.

Both Edwards and Ellwood constantly roamed the sidelines shouting instructions in loud voices. Ellwood, who never sat down, frequently showed emotion and he often yelled and pleaded with the officials after he disagreed with calls.

"I am always intense, but maybe I showed it more," Ellwood said.

 Greenport dominated early. Junior guard Sean Charters aced three consecutive three-pointers to spark the Porters to a 24-14 advantage -- the highest-scoring first quarter by an opponent in Mattituck's 12 games.The Tuckers, after falling behind 31-17 with 4:27 remaining in the second quarter, surged. Ellwood inserted Sledjeski, a junior reserve, to add muscle near the basket against the taller Porters.

"I worked hard and tried not to give them any easy shots," said Sledjeski, who finished with nine points.

Tom Ascher, Mattituck's top scorer, sparked a 14-4 run with three baskets and Sledjeski's baseline jumper with two seconds left reduced Greenport's lead to 35-31 at halftime. , a smooth floor leader with his skilled ballhandling and passing, made a twisting drive past two defenders and was knocked down with 4:20 left in the third quarter.

He made the basket and converted a free throw to give the Porter a 43-33 margin. For Mattituck, lefty sharpshooter Steve Ascher (a team-high 16 points)responded with a three-pointer and a three-point play.

Ellwood was displeased the last 49 seconds of the third quarter. With his team down four points, the Porters made three inside baskets. Tremayne Hansen, a 6-6 senior center, beat the Tuckers' interior defense for a putback and a short shot, lifting Greenport ahead 49-41.

The Tuckers, who never led during the 32-minute duel, climbed within 53-51 after baskets by Tom Ascher (10 points) and Sledjeski with 4:41 to go. Langhorne scored four points before Mangiamele's jumper made the score 58-57 and stirred the crowd.The poised Charters, who finished with 15 points, aced his fourth three-pointer and Greenport led 61-57 with 1:32 left.Mattituck point guard Connor Dave drove for a basket, but the Tuckers did not score in the final minute, missing their last three shots.With 11 seconds on the clock, Tom Ascher launched a three-point attempt and was knocked down near where Ellwood was standing.Ellwood screamed for a foul, but no whistle.

"We are bummed," Sledjeski said. "Obviously, a couple of controversil calls."

After Langhorne sank one of two free throws with eight seconds left, Ellwood arranged a play for Steve Ascher to shoot from the right wing. Mattituck's last chance was partially blocked. Before he got on the team bus for the 12-mile ride back home, Ellwood was asked to comment on the officiating, which appeared to favor Greenport, especially Langhorne.

"I am not going to say anything," said Ellwood.

Mangiamele scored 10 points and senior center Cody Huntley added eight points for the Tuckers.Two juniors for Greenport, 6-1  Jalen Shelby and 5-11 Vincent Smith, joined Langhorne, Hansen and Charters in the starting five.