Sachem East Boys Basketball Beats Patchogue-Medford in Summer League Action

Now 3-1 for the summer season and bouncing back strongly from its only loss to Longwood, the Sachem High School East boys basketball team won 44-34 over neighboring Patchogue-Medford Thursday evening at home in a summer league game.

Pat-Med, having had to forfeit its first game due to a lack of players according to Raiders coach Will Dortonne, displayed early promise, opening up the board with 21:10 remaining on a quick slash from Ahmad Williams.

East's Joe Santarpia tied the score 2 minutes later in the key off an offensive rebound, and the two teams seesawed through much of the first half until East broke away off Santarpia's layup at 11:30. That was followed 10 seconds later by a defensive rebound that sent Shaun Madsen back for another two points. Also capitalizing on several free throws, East had seized a commanding lead of 30-18 into the final period.

Pat-Med pushed back briefly, thanks to fast footwork in the paint from Williams and teammate Amir Sims, to narrow East's lead to six points (33-27) by the middle of the second half. Aided in part by its deeper bench, the Arrows caught a second wind and some fast breaks – most spectacularly Tim Doherty's hooking drive around the 3-minute mark – as East climbed ahead by nine points and holding steady to the buzzer.

East coach John Finta said his team defended well using its favored man-to-man strategy.

"It seemed to have a lid on it in the second half," he said, referring to their net.

Interestingly, East's team plays in two leagues, thus enabling everyone from all levels of experience and those with multiple commitments a chance to get some court time, according to Finta.

"We work with schedules, that way we can still provide kids good exposure," he said.

Pat-Med will face Longwood at Newfield High School on Tuesday at 7 p.m. East will host Ward Melville on Tuesday at 8 p.m.