‘Statement Win’ for Rye Boys Basketball in 2024 Finale vs Suffern
The Rye Boys Basketball Team closed 2024 with their third straight win on December 21, holding off a desperate late push from the Suffern Mounties to win 70-56. Rye saw their double-digit lead shrink to two points with 5 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but held on and cashed in free throws down the stretch to pull away with the win.
“This was a huge statement win for our program,” Head Coach Tommy Proudian told MyRye.com. “Going on the road playing in Rockland County is never easy, [and that’s] coupled with playing against a Suffern team that returned most of their key players from a section championship game appearance last season.”
Super 7 Player Jake Pampolina provided the Mounties a spark with five first half three pointers, but Rye adjusted and began to shut the star junior down more effectively as the contest progressed, especially in the second half.
“I was very proud the way we were able to shake off a rough first half,” Proudian said. “We didn’t play very well on either end of the court and lacked the necessary enegy to be competitive vs the caliber of a team like Suffern. But, how we perfomed in the 2nd half, outscoring Suffern by 18 points, is a testament to the type of incredible character this team possesses.”
Jake Kessner led the scoring with 26 points in a huge game, as he consistently battled in the paint. Carson Miller added 11 points and Andrew Wilmarth 10 points to round out the Garnets’ double-digit producers.
Next up for Proudian and his group is the Annual Stepinac/Iona Prep Slam Dunk Showcase on Saturday, January 4, at The Westchester County Center. Rye’s first opponent is Mamaroenck, a AAA contender like Suffern, who also have a Super 7 player in Will Plunkett. Tip-off for the first tournament game is scheduled for 3:00pm. Watch the win vs Suffern here (note: a SportsEngine account is required to view).
