A big win for the Waves in West Babylon, 73-62

The Riverhead Blue Waves scored a stunning 11-point victory over the West Babylon Eagles Friday night in the Suffolk out-bracket game, advancing in the playoffs to take on Deer Park this afternoon at 2.

Junior Ryan Bitzer scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Waves to their 73-62 win in West Babylon. Bitzer hit seven three-pointers in the game.

Riverhead, the number 19 seed in the tournament, squeaked in with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Centereach (3-15) Tuesday night.

The Waves (6-6, 9-10) brought Tuesday night’s momentum with them onto the court in West Babylon last night, dominating the No. 14 seed Eagles through most of the game.

It was the team’s first post-season win under varsity head coach John Rossetti, who coached the boys to playoffs three times before. The victory was sweet.

“It was a good win tonight, a big test for us,” Rossetti said after the game.

The boys face another big test today, traveling to Deer Park to take on the No. 3 Falcons.
Deer Park (13-1, 15-3) finished the season tied for first with Half Hollow Hills West in League IV. Riverhead took an 89-62 drubbing by Deer Park on Dec. 17.

Rossetti said he told his team to rest up to be ready for the game this afternoon.

“Physically it was a hard-fought game,” the coach said. “The kids have to rest up
and be ready.”

Rossetti said the Waves have to come out today and match the Falcons’ intensity.

“They’re a very good team. But so are we,” the coach said.

“It’s a five-on-five game,” Rossetti said, “and I have a lot of confidence on the five we have on the court.”

RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella.
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