(Updated: 7:45 pm) Despite Ryan Bitzer's career-high 29 points, the Blue Wave's season came to a disappointing end Saturday in Deer Park.
Riverhead fell short against No. 3 seed Deer Park, 67-50, but the 17-point margin of victory belies the fight the Waves mounted in a very physical, hard-fought afternoon game following a high-energy night game in West Babylon.
Down by seven at the end of the first, the Waves pushed back to within two at the half, but that was just about as close as they would come against the 16-3 Falcons.
"They're a gritty team," Coach John Rossetti said of the Waves in a post-game interview. "I don't think the scoreboard indicates what kind of game this was today."
Riverhead refused to give up. "They came in with a great effort today," Rossetti said. "You had some tired legs out there. Our kids played hard. You've got to give them a lot of credit," the coach said. "These kids aren't losers today."
Deer Park played a very physical game, prompting some Riverhead fans to shout complaints at the officials for not calling fouls. One Waves fan was even ejected from the gymnasium.
"It's a playoff game. They allow you to get physical," Rossetti said. "They're big, strong kids," he said of the opponents. "They pushed us around a bit. But our kids don't back down from anyone. [Deer Park] really had to earn this victory today."
Deer Park's Sean Scott led his team with 22 points. Kyle Bradford and Keith Williams had 15 points apiece for the Falcons.
"They're a quick team," Rossetti said. "They matched our quickness. There's a reason why they're seeded third. They're seeded third because they're really good."
Bitzer hit five three-pointers today, following a performance in which he hit seven three-pointers and scored a career-high 27 points in West Babylon Friday night.
"He's a competitor," Rossetti said, "just a real competitor."
Rossetti said he's looking forward to next year. "We're building towards next year," the coach said. "Next year we're going to make some real noise."
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Peter Blasl
