Royals Are Class BCD Act After Defeating Mattituck

Just how good is the Port Jefferson boys’ basketball team? Easy answer: right now, they’re as good as they want to be. Last night at Farmingdale State College, the Royals, winners of both the Suffolk County and championships added another extension onto the trophy case, defeating defending Class B champion Mattituck with relative ease: 49-34 to capture the Suffolk BCD championship.

Led by Terrell Rose who has arguably been the best performer of the lengthy Section XI Suffolk County tournament the past two weeks, Port Jefferson (14-7 overall) led from start to finish, taking an 11-6 lead after the first quarter and heading to the locker room up 28-14. Rose was a prime time performer throughout the contests, leading all players with 16 points and nine rebounds, while also showcasing his outstanding passing (five assists) and defensive skills (four steals).  Rose has averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the four playoff games.

“We’ve finally got our whole team together and we’re really starting to play the way we’re capable of playing,” said Rose during an interview conducted last week after Port Jeff defeated Greenport to win the Class C title. “I think we’re a dangerous team right now.”

Braden Colucci and Anthony Lanieri each scored 11 points for Port Jeff and Greg Nielsen added five points and eight rebounds.

Mattituck, which came into the game with a 15-5 overall record as well as one of the top offenses in Suffolk this season, was handcuffed by a superb defensive scheme implemented by head coach Michael Riley. Riley’s 3-2 zone frustrated the Tuckers top shooters all game, giving the Royals ample time to build their lead and plan for another championship date.

The win advanced Port Jefferson to the Suffolk County Small Schools Championship against Class A champion Harborfields on Friday at Stony Brook University at 5 p.m.