The stands were lined in ribbon, blue and white balloons scattered the gymnasium and posters filled the walls — it was senior night at Riverhead High School and head coach Dave Spinella wanted to make it as special as possible.
Four seniors were honored before the game against Centereach Thursday night: Amanda Baron, Cassidy Brown, Joanna Messina and manager Meiko Vail. Spinella emphasized how blessed he was to be a part of such a great group of seniors in the speeches he prepared. His words brought tears to many of their eyes. They were then given flowers and met by their parents at mid-court.
“It’s emotional,” Spinella said afterward. “The one thing about teaching is that you’re always saying goodbye. Kids always come back and come see you and I stay in touch with them but it’s just not the same. Luckily we have at least another week and a half with them.”
Each of the three senior players started for the Waves and contributed to the annihilation of the Cougars (4-9) by a score of 58-33.
Baron scored 14 points as she let shots fly without hesitation. Messina and Brown both added 7 points in their final regular season basketball game as Blue Waves.
“There was definitely a lot of emotions today,” Baron said. “Because I feel like this is the closest I’ve ever been with a team. There was no pressure today for us seniors. We just got to go out there and have some fun.”
In the final minutes of the game, Spinella took each senior out, one by one so that they could receive a standing ovation from the crowd and their teammates.
“It was all about them today,” Spinella said. “They deserve it.”
Each senior was embraced by her teammates with hugs after the conclusion of the game and cupcakes resembling basketballs were brought out for everyone to enjoy. (A party just isn’t a party without cupcakes — everyone knows that.)
Riverhead improved to 10-4 in league III with the victory and now the waiting game begins. Playoff brackets will most likely be posted on Monday, Spinella said.
“I don’t expect my senior season to end any time soon,” Baron said. “We can definitely do big things in the playoffs.”
RiverheadLOCAL photos by George Faella
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