Derrick Cenicola had waited all season for a breakout performance, and he got it just as the Hamilton boys basketball team began play in 2009.
When the Emerald Knights visited Waterville Tuesday night, Cenicola personally delivered a 72-52 victory over the Indians.
Despite Waterville’s complete defensive attention, Cenicola kept getting open for 3-point shots — and kept making them. Of his nine field goals, eight came from beyond the arc.
This barrage of 3-pointers pushed Hamilton out of an early 12-12 tie as it built a 49-37 lead by the end of the third quarter. And when the Indians had to foul down the stretch, Cenicola ended up with the ball again, which led to 15 successful free throws.
Add it all up, and Cenicola finished with a career-best 41 points, his hot streak accounting for the difference between a close contest and a comfortable margin. Coley Graham offered some help, with 11 points, while Matt Broedel earned seven points.
Four days might prove enough time to cool off Cenicola before the Emerald Knights faced New York Mills in a key Saturday showdown.