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ARMONK, N.Y. Byram Hills entered Tuesdays matchup with Horace Greeley without Jeff Lynch, one of the Bobcats best players.
After an up-and-down 32 minutes, and plenty of breath holding, the Bobcats finally managed to squeak out a win against the Quakers despite Lynchs absence.
I think its big, said Byram Hills coach Ted Repa. I think its really big for both us and for Jeff to realize that were okay. Obviously, were a better team with him, but we can survive without him.
The Quakers took the Bobcats to the final minute but Byram Hills eventually prevailed, 58-54, in a back-and-forth contest.
Byram Hills raced out to a 16-2 lead to start the game, but Horace Greeley cut the lead to 30-27 at halftime. The Bobcats then stretched its lead to 38-29, but the Quakers tied the game at 38 and then took a 45-40 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Byram Hills led, 55-54, with a little more than a minute to play and had possession. The designed play broke down, but Andrew Maloney buried a three to give the Bobcats a four-point cushion and a permanent lead.
When plays break down, guys (have) to step up and make plays, and we got a senior, Andrew Maloney, whos having a one heck of a senior year, Repa said. Thats a huge shot for us.
Horace Greeley coach Dave Fernandes said three pointers like that one, particularly uncontested ones, doomed the Quakers.
Bottom line is you (have) to have a hand up, Fernandes said. You cant give Byram Hills open shots. When you give them open shots, theyre going to make them. Theyre too good of a team. You cant have any letdown.
Fluke plays and oddities were in abundance at Byram Hills on Tuesday. There was confusion about the number of fouls each team had as well as the length of a timeout. Both coaches had to quiet the fans, who at one point shouted insults at the players.
A referee accidentally got in the way of a pass. When one Byram Hills player was fouled on a shot attempt, the ball hit the top of the backboard, hung there for a moment and then rolled into the hoop to give the Bobcats two points and a foul shot.
Even the scoreboard operator left the game toward the end of the third quarter.
As for the action on the court, Repa said one statistic defined the result of the game: turnovers. When Byram blew its two big leads, turnovers were the main reason.
When we dont turn the ball over, were very, very good, Repa said. And when we turn the ball over, we always seem to let teams back in the game. Its all about turnovers. And if we take care of the basketball, were a pretty good team.
Fernandes, whose team beat the Bobcats twice last year, said he came into Tuesdays matchup with confidence that his team could win. Though they did not pull out the victory, the coach said his team can take lessons from what happened on the court.
A loss like this is something you learn from, Fernandes said. Getting blown out by 20, then youre walking out of here with your tail between your legs.
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