Down three starters due to illness and a twisted ankle, the Rye boys basketball team turned to one of its senior veterans – and spot starter – Justin McCarthy. “J-Mac” filled the void AND the rim, scoring 12 of Rye’s first 14 points of the game, to lead the Garnets to a 48-25 win Wednesday over Pelham at home.
Coming off a tough loss against a much-improved Eastchester team last week, coach Tom Proudian will take the win.
“We’re building something here with these boys,” he said. “Losses are tough, no doubt, but I’m really happy for J-Mac tonight. The kid works as hard as any player on our team.”
McCarthy led the Garnets with 15 points. Ben Hudson added nine points, and Charlie Rupp collected four big-boy rebounds.
With the win, Rye improves to 7-4 overall but they’ll have to play their next four games on the road, including Jan. 28 at Harrison and a must-see rematch Jan. 31 at Byram Hills.
