Sandstoners gain repeat win over Raiders in rematch
MASSENA - Points came at a premium the first time Massena played Potsdam in boys basketball this season and the same held true on Tuesday night in the rematch.
After prevailing 40-37 on January 9th, Potsdam came away with a 38-33 victory last night to sweep the regular season series and clinch at least a tie for the Northern Athletic Conference Central Division championship.
Potsdam forward Mike Chambers reversed a dismal first three quarters by coming off the bench to score all six of his points and six of the Sandstoners’ eight total points in the fourth quarter, scoring three buckets on slashing drives to the basket, while also finishing with seven rebounds.
“I sat for a while after not playing very well for three quarters and with four fouls. Then I got myself really ready to go back out there,” said Chambers. “Massena is one of our big rivals and it was one of the biggest games of the year. Our defense didn’t give them very much tonight.”
Said Potsdam coach Steve Kmack: “Mike took the ball to the basket in the fourth quarter and had a couple of great driving layups. This is a big win for Potsdam. It was a dogfight out there, but we found a way to win.”
After beating the Raiders (13-4, 5-2 Central) for the fifth straight time dating back to last season, the Sandstoners (15-2, 6-1) can win the NAC Central Division championship outright with a home victory over Ogdensburg Free Academy on Friday night. Potsdam has not lost a home game in three years.
“OFA is coming into our place and it’s going to be tough. They have five guards who can shoot it,” Kmack said.
In a game last night where neither team had a player finish in double-digits, Josh Adams tallied nine points and and nine rebounds, Owen Mitchell had seven points and seven rebounds, Lee Buchanon hit two big three-pointers in a 16-11 Potsdam second quarter while Konnor Bigwarfe added six points for the Sandstoners.
For the Raiders, Xavier Viskovich scored eight inside points, Zach Hopps tallied six points and four assists, Troy Myers totaled five points and eight rebounds while Zach Rusaw contributed a game-high 14 rebounds and four points.
“Points were hard to come by for both teams and it was an exact replica of the first time we played,” said Massena coach Tom Miller whose team hopes to see Potsdam for a third straight season in the Section 10 Overall Championship game in three weeks. “I’m disappointed for our seniors tonight. I don’t have any answers how to score against them right now. Hopefully, we’ll see them down the road.”
Massena players honored before the game on Senior Night included Myers, Hopps, Logan Norris, George Sloan and Josh Miller which comprised the Raider starting lineup.
Massena JV 41, Potsdam JV 39: Jason Hammill scored 12 points and Logan Deshane added nine as the Raiders JV’s came from behind in the fourth quarter to edge Potsdam.
For the junior Stoners, Ashler Herrick scored a game-high 13 points while Dequan Pitts added eight.
OFA 70, B-M 42: The OFA varsity beat Brushton-Moira 70-42 in NAC crossover play, led by Breton Larose with 13 points, Matt Piercey with 12 points on four three-pointers and Tyler Knowlton with 12 points.
For the Panthers, Devan Mills scored 14 points while Zach Tudor chipped in another nine.
