Boys basketball: Spackenkill rolling, tops Marlboro in Officials vs. Cancer tournament
A rhythm was found, and a pattern developed over the last few months, working steadily along a common thread to design what they all believe will be an outstanding finished product by next month.
Some good basketball is being played, too.
Anita Hoyt sits quietly during Spackenkill games, her attention split between the action on the court and crochet hooks in her hands. She'll work meticulously at a piece of material, making precise stitches, even at moments when most other spectators are becoming unraveled.
Knitting has a calming effect on her, enabling some of the nervous energy to be channeled into creativity. With her husband coaching the team and their son Bryan playing, in what increasingly is becoming an intense season, a bit of stress relief is necessary.
"It's been a hobby at home for a while, but she's also done it at every game this year," Spartans coach Matt Hoyt said of his wife's crocheting. "The way things have been going for us, it might be bringing us good luck. She's gotta keep doing her thing."
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Spackenkill continued doing its thing, securing an eighth straight victory on Saturday with a 48-40 win over Marlboro in the Officials vs. Cancer tournament at Dutchess Community College.
Nasir Snell scored 20 points and Richie Decker contributed 11 points with solid defense and playmaking to earn game MVP honors. Kris Cummings added 10 points and 13 rebounds, and Oliver Katz had five points for Spackenkill (13-2).
"We've been seen as an underdog for a while," said Decker, whose team last won a section title in 2017. "I think we're establishing ourselves as one of the top teams in the section. We just want to keep it rolling."
The game began not too long after everyone rolled out of bed. Their 11 a.m. matchup kicked off the five-game tournament that featured some of the better local teams.
The tournament, presented by the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 114, has raised more than $80,000 for the American Cancer Society in its first eight years.
But the early tipoff, along with the 2-degree chill, perhaps contributed to a slow start in which the teams combined for 15 first-quarter points. Spackenkill also had a particularly quick turnaround after playing Friday night.
"It's difficult because it doesn't happen often and it takes you off your routine," Matt Hoyt said. "Playing back-to-back is rare, let alone a night game followed by a morning game. We were ready and we did play hard; just didn't play our best."
A requirement of a good team, though, is its ability to win when not at its best. The teams gradually found their footing and Kris Cummings' free throw and layup sent Spackenkill to halftime with 21-18 lead it didn't relinquish. The Spartans extended to a 38-27 advantage in the third quarter.
"We struggled shooting at the start, and I got two quick fouls and had to sit, so that hurt us a little," said Snell, who has emerged this season as a go-to scorer. "It took us a little time, but we picked it up."
Prince Owens scored eight of his 15 points in the fourth and his floater pulled Marlboro within 41-36 with 2:09 left, but they could draw no closer. Matthew Ciarimboli added 11 points.
The Iron Dukes long have been among the elite teams in Section 9, but they’re enduring a rebuild this season and have dropped nine straight. They also were without guard Miles Brooks.
Spackenkill, though, is enjoying a breakout in what some outsiders expected to be a down year after graduating several core pieces. But, barring the unforeseen, the team is in line for a high seed in the Class B sectional tournament and could contend for a championship.
"I love this group," Hoyt said. "I thought this team was talented, but 13-2 is special. It's an awesome run, but hopefully we've got some more improvement left in us."
Chemistry, a willingness to learn and the teammates' ability to play off each other ― along with underrated talent ― have been the keys to their success, Decker said. Their immediate goal, he added, is to advance beyond the opening round of the playoffs, which they failed to do last winter.
"I think we had a lot of doubters, and no one expected our record to be what it is," Snell said. "We carry that chip on our shoulder and it motivates us to work hard and keep getting better."
After all, nothing has been sewn up just yet.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys basketball: Spackenkill shines in Officials vs. Cancer tournament
