Rye Neck boys basketball got a much-needed win Saturday afternoon, defeating Irvington, 54-41.
After starting the season 9-0, the Panthers had lost three games in a row entering today’s contest and were desperate to get back on track. Their resolve was abundantly clear in a game that was tense and chippy throughout.
At the end of the third quarter, Rye Neck led by a margin of 31-24. The Panthers had been able to maintain a consistent lead until that point thanks in large part to their ability to create extra possessions via offense rebounds and forcing turnovers.
They continued to make those hustle plays in the final period, which, combined with junior Davey Ryan asserting himself on offense, resulted in a 12-3 run in the first 4:23 of the quarter, expanding their lead to 43-27 and icing the game.
Ryan led the Panthers in scoring with 26 points. Logan Williams knocked in 11 points of his own, while senior Kyle Harris contributed seven points and junior Dante Friedman had six points.
Though it was not a league game, it should not be overstated that today was a big game for Rye Neck. The Panthers have seven league games on their schedule, with their next one being at home Monday night, against Briarcliff. After today, they will enter that matchup back on the winning track.
