Sports Notebook: PJ Boys Basketball Clinch Playoff Spot, Girls Remain Winless Despite Effort

Varsity Boys Basketball

The Royals earned a much-needed win last week, defeating Bridgehampton 74-42 on Feb. 7 at Port Jefferson High School to secure their seventh League VIII victory. The win clinched the Royals a playoff spot as Port Jefferson took an 18-9 lead after the first quarter before putting the pedal down shortly before halftime as the Killer Bees (0-11) trailed 38-17.

Terrell Rose, the Royals leading scorer this season, had another outstanding game, dropping a game-high 20 points on the Bridgehampton defense while also showcasing his remarkable playmaking ability, dishing out nine assists. Drew Crovello had one of his best offensive games of the season, scoring 12 points and teammate Brandon Colucci added 10 points. Forward Anthony Lanieri was one point short of recording a double-double, finishing with nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

On February 8, the Royals gave their fans plenty to cheer about, taking perennial League VIII champion Greenport down to the wire in a close 62-55 loss. A packed Port Jefferson High School gymnasium watched the Royals mount a heroic comeback after trailing the Porters 21-9 at the start of the second quarter. Anthony Lanieri’s gritty inside game and Rose’s ability to cut through defenders for highlight-reel buckets enabled Port Jeff to cut Greenport’s lead to 31-24 at halftime as the Royals bench encouraged their teammates by swinging towels and handing out high-fives.

Legendary Greenport coach Al Edwards, who is among the top-five in All-Time Suffolk County coaching winning percentage, had difficulty solving Port Jeff’s fast break offense, implemented by head coach Michael Riley. The Royals posted 22 points on the scoreboard in the third quarter, led by Anthony Lanieri (15 points), Rose (14 pts.), Colucci (13 pts.) and Noah Whalen (8 pts.).

The Royals only letdown last week was a 58-52 loss at Pierson on Feb. 11 although Port Jefferson will be looking to end its regular season schedule on a winning note as the playoffs begin next week. The Royals play @ Shelter Island on Feb. 14 and host The Ross School on Feb. 16. Both games start at 6:15 p.m.

Varsity Girls Basketball

The Lady Royals continued to battle through a difficult season, falling to 0-12 overall in League VIII. Port Jeff lost 58-24 at The Ross School on Feb. 7 followed by a 60-13 defeat at Mercy on Feb.9. The Royals offense was able to get back on track in a 62-30 loss at home to Pierson as Anastasia Lennon led Port Jefferson with 10 points, marking the fourth time she’s scored in double-digits this season.

On Feb. 14, the Royals conclude their season with a home game against Shelter Island at 4:30 p.m.