With the introduction of the 3-point shot in the NBA in 1979, basketball changed forever. And since that time, every basketball coach on earth today asks themselves the same daily question:
Why settle for two, when you can have three?
In the first quarter of Rye’s league-title-clinching 54-50 win Monday at Clarkstown South, the Garnets (14-4) didn’t settle for a single 2-point shot. Rye led the Vikings 15-11, courtesy of five 3-point baskets by four different players.
But Clarkstown South (7-12) has a few shooters, too. Like backcourt standout Elijah Lavalee, whose game-high 19 points – including four 3s – kept this game close until the final seconds.
Rye trailed the Vikings 25-24 at the half, but regained the lead 37-34 when senior Carson Miller drained a buzzer-beater from well beyond the half-court line at the end of the third quarter.
In a back-and-forth final quarter, Rye was able to keep the Vikings at arm’s length and close out a four-point win. Down the stretch, the Garnets did something they have struggled with for much of the season: they made their free throws.
Miller and junior Ben Hudson each scored 16 points, and senior Sebastian Lewis had 10.
Rye will attempt the rare “Clarkstown Sweep” on Wednesday, as the Garnets return to Rockland County to take on Clarkstown North (17-2), the No. 3-ranked team in Class AA.
Rye has now won nine of its past 10 games, with two remaining before the postseason tips off Feb. 21.
