Two Wolf Pac players posted double-doubles as Mahopac overwhelmed Valhalla, 70-44, in the first round of the Friends vs. Cancer Tournament at Obama HS last Friday. The Pac then ran into a tougher opponent in Saturday’s championship game and took a 60-55 loss to Clarkstown North.
Mahopac fell behind North by double digits early, but cut the deficit to three points in the third quarter, then again in the final minutes, but could never grab the lead.
“North is a top-four team,” Pac coach Matt Calabro said. “They got up on us early, but we got it close late. They hurt us with 3s in the fourth, and that was tough to overcome.”
Calabro said his team needs to figure out how to close out close games.
“When we lose by five to a good team and we were close at the end, we need to win those games,” Calabro said. “We’re not looking for moral victories. We need to close out games we’re in. We want to play to our potential all four quarters.”
Drew Lichtenberger led the Pac with 15 points and six rebounds. Matt Reilly added 12 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four blocks. Ethan Dedvukaj had 12 points and nine rebounds, and Justin Beberman finished with 10 points.
Mahopac (11-6) dominated Valhalla in the opening round behind a 22-point, 10-rebound performance from Dedvukaj. Reilly scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, Lichtenberger added 11 points and 10 rebounds, Beberman and Ryan LaRue each had six points and four assists, and Sal Garufi scored five points.
“The guys played well vs. Valhalla,” Calabro said. “Valhalla played hard and well, and it was a close game at the half. But we got some separation in the third.”
Mahopac was scheduled to host Peekskill on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on Senior Night, and hosts Tappan Zee on Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
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