Blue Waves qualify for playoffs
with 64-33 victory over Colts

Consider last year’s three-win season a fluke because Riverhead is back.

With a 64-33 victory over Half Hollow Hills West at home tonight, the Blue Waves have punched their ticket into the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 years.

Before the game started, Riverhead’s announcer read the starting lineups. As Hills West was lined up on the court already, the Blue Waves started being announced.

“Starting at guard, freshman Faith Johnson-DeSilvia,” he said.

Then came another freshman. And another.

Two Colts looked at each other and mouthed, “Three freshman?”

Don’t be fooled. Riverhead (7-1 league III) may be young but after a rebuilding season to get everyone acclimated, they look better every game.

“We’re all just basketball players,” freshman Kate McCarney said. “Age really doesn’t matter. Whoever works the hardest will be out there. I don’t feel any different than anyone else on the court.”

Here’s the line for “little” three:

McCarney 10 points Johnson-DeSilvia 6 points, 7 assists Kim Ligon 5 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists

Each contributes and though they’re just freshman, the game isn’t too big for them and that’s a testament to what head coach Dave Spinella has been able to do in really just one season.

“I have more confidence this year,” McCarney said. “A lot more.”

For the first time all season, McCarney didn’t pass up an open shot and as a result she had the games first two baskets and led the team in scoring for much of the game.

“I’m trying to get better every day,” McCarney said.

Asked whether she expected to be in the playoffs this early, McCarney answered: “I definitely thought it was possible but I’m glad it happened so we can start moving toward our next goal.”

Spinella had no reservations.

“We knew we could be in this position coming into the season,” Spinella said. “We knew we would be back in the playoffs it was just a matter of how quick.”

Sam Dunn, who finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds, knew this team would put together a season like this. It’s just their time.

“I remember watching Shanice and Jalyn and the rest of them as an 8th grader,” Dunn said. “I watched every single game and kept imagining myself in their shoes.”

“The girls who won the Long Island championship were always my role models,” Dunn continued. “And everyone on this team sees that banner up there. We are the next group to have a shot. I believe we can do it.”

The Blue Waves have six league games remaining. Every game from here on out will determine whether they’ll have a home game come playoff time. The only team they lost to in the league, Copiague, who currently sits in first, is scheduled to play Riverhead on Feburary 3.

“Let’s not look ahead that far just yet,” Spinella said. “One game at a time. We’re climbing a ladder here.”

Riverhead visits West Islip this Saturday. Game time: 12:45 p.m.