Newark's magical season ends in NYSPHSAA Class B semifinals

Westhill coach Kevin King's Warriors improved to 23-3 on their way to Sunday's state final against Catholic Central (22-4) in the NYSPHSAA Class B at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Newark faced an early deficit that ultimately became too much to overcome.

Coach Henry Kuperus' two-time Section V champion Newark Reds struggled to score against an aggressive defensive performance from Section III's Westhill, falling to the Warriors 63-36 in Saturday morning's New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B semifinals at Cool Insuring Arena in Glens Falls.

What it means

Newark's season ended at 21-5. The Reds entered the state final four with wins in 12 of their previous 13 contests. "Big Shot" Brayden Steve's buzzer beating 3-pointer that sent last week's region final into overtime will remain one of the most memorable shots in program history.

Players of the Game

Kameron Langdon

The Westhill guard was one of four Warriors in double figures with 16 points on 8 of 13 shooting, but his most important assignment was marking Steve on defense. Langdon faced-guarded Steve the entire contest, using smart help defenders to his advantage in keeping Newark's leading scorer scoreless in the first half. Langdon helped force Steve into coughing up six turnovers.

Kellen Foster

Newark's junior forward was the Reds' only scoring threat. Foster finished the game with 10 points on 4 of 11 shooting, including two 3-pointers.

Game balls

Brayden Steve

Newark's senior guard wouldn't be shut out the entire contest. All seven of Steve's points came in the second half. He shot just 3-for-11 from the field and 1-for-6 from 3-point range. Steve also pulled down four rebounds.

Luke Gilmartin

The Westhill guard's 16 points tied for the game-high. He made 7 of 12 field goals, grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out seven assists and added four steals.

Shawn Mayes

The Westhill guard scored 15 points on 6 of 11 from the field and made two 3-pointers.

Key moments

Westhill used a 13-2 second quarter run fueled by forced turnovers to take a 24-8 lead. But Newark responded with an 8-2 run. Daveon Wright ended the half with a 25-foot buzzer beater to pull the Reds within 26-16.

After an even third period where Westhill led 38-28, the Warriors ran away in the fourth with a 25-8 quarter.

This story will be updated later.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Newark boys basketball falls in NYSPHSAA Class B semifinals