Two straight years, two straight trips to the state Class B final four in Glens Falls and a state title in 2010 – is seeking more glory for the Westhill boys basketball team asking too much?
Gone from those title teams are standouts like Nathan Nigolian, Kevin McAvoy, Justin Biles and Mark McAnaney. Only Ryan Conroy is back among the starting five that, in 2010-11, produced a 17-6 mark and a return trip to the state semifinals before a 63-58 defeat to eventual champion Burke Catholic.
Westhill would not get a chance to ease into a new season, either, as on Friday it opened at Cortland, a Class A powerhouse coming off its own 19-2 campaign with four starters back.
For a while, the Warriors stood up well to the Purple Tigers, but the inside domination from J.P. Reagan would do in Westhill as it lost by a score of 59-49.
Going into the second period, the Warriors trailed 12-9, but suddenly it got hot from the field as numerous players poured in baskets, putting Westhill into a 29-28 lead at the break.
Unfazed, Cortland turned to Reagan, who took over. The 6-4 senior owned the paint, hitting the baskets that put the Purple Tigers ahead for good as the Warriors went cold, managing just six points in the pivotal third quarter.
All told, Reagan had 30 points and 13 rebounds, while fellow forward Brandon Babcock added 10 points and eight rebounds. Only Conroy, who had 15 points, reached double figures for Westhill as two returning players, Jacob Nigolian and Joe Meluni, had eight points apiece.
At least the Warriors were in the fight. Marcellus, on the other hand, had a real struggle in its opener Friday at Mexico, unable to generate much offense in a 53-31 loss to the Tigers.
A season ago, Marcellus was 10-11, but still made it to the sectional semifinals before Westhill knocked them out. From that group, seven seniors departed, meaning that a new lineup took the floor against Mexico.
The Tigers outscored the Mustangs in every single period, gradually building its margin despite a strong night from Duncan Merritt, who led both sides with 19 points, including 10 successful free throws.
Other than Merritt and Nick Sinay, who added eight points, Marcellus had two total field goals. Mexico, at least, had two consistent scoring threats, as Pat Twiss led with 17 points and Ryan Lee added 15 points.
