BY JOE SCOTCHIE
jscotchie@antonmediagroup.com
The nickname for Roslyn High School athletic squads is, of course, “Bulldogs,” but in the case of this year’s boys’ basketball team, “Pit bull” might be more accurate. Roslyn plays defense with that kind of ferocity, as Coach Craig Murphy’s extraordinarily deep squad puts defensive pressure on its opponents, from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer.
That style was on full exhibit last week as Roslyn, on Jan. 20, defeated Plainedge 72-61 before a home crowd at the high school. The Bulldogs lead throughout and broke the game open in the second half with a full-court press that caused numerous Plainedge turnovers and clutch three-point shooting.
In the third quarter, Roslyn opened up a 52-38 lead on the strength of a three-pointer by Jared Cohen, as Keandre Augustine, Omar Burns and Jonah Tepper all contributed to the offensive surge. In the final frame, two consecutive field goals by Augustine gave Roslyn a commanding 62-47. However, Plainedge battled back, keyed by their own high-scoring duo of Pat Reilly and Greg Gouvousis, Later in the final frame, Plainedge managed to cut the lead to single digits. With Roslyn up 70-61, Jared Cohen made a key play, snagging an offensive rebound and converting on both free throws after being fouled. The Roslyn lead was back in double digits and would stay there for the remainder of the game. Augustine finish with 28 points, including 14 points from the free throw line alone, as his slashing style drew many Plainedge fouls. Burns (18) and Tenner (11) also scored in double digits.
In the past several years, Roslyn has been playing winning basketball, thanks, in part, to such offensive powerhouses as George Beamon, Mark Gjonlekaj, Terrence Pierce and Noah Nardone. This year, Augustine, who teamed last year with Nardone to give Roslyn a potent offense, remains the team leader. But this year’s team has no “dead wood.” That is, every player contributes to every win, giving Murphy the ability to substitute freely. The Bulldog Five always has a fresh pair of legs on the floor, allowing for a relentless full-court press with Roslyn defenders double-teaming their opponents in the latter’s backcourt and all over the rest of the hardwood.
“It was part of our scheme,” Murphy told The Roslyn News, speaking about the emphasis on defense. “We met early last year after we lost in the semifinals. We lost two starters, one who transferred out of the district and another who was injured. We lost some size and we had to commit to an all-out defense. We are small, but fast, skilled and unselfish.”
Two players who have assisted the defensive effort significantly are Jonah Tenner and Omar Burns. Tenner, Murphy said, has worked his way up through the system, starring on the junior varsity team last year and now being “very good” on the boards for the Bulldogs. Burns, Murphy added, is junior who saw playing time last year an who now gives Roslyn an offensive threat in the post. The team leader, Keandre Augustine, a senior, is having another top year. He is set to surpass 1,000 points in scoring for his high school career. But mostly, Murphy was full of praise for the entire team effort as the offense has been supplied by the entire roster. In some games, every player who has made it into the game has score.
“It’s fun,” Murphy said. “We share the ball a lot and push it. We play hard on offense and defense.”
On Friday, Jan. 29, Roslyn will return home for a showdown with South Side, the only team to have defeated Roslyn this year in Conference A-II play. No basketball fan will want to miss out on this matchup.
