It’s official: the Mattituck Tuckers are the Class B Suffolk County champions, a first in school history.
This was the third time Mattituck had been in the county championship in the last five years and after two losses, it was their turn to hoist the plaque as they emerged victorious over Center Moriches, 59-42 on Tuesday night at Riverhead High School.
“I guess the third time is really the charm,” an exuberant Steve Van Dood said afterwards. Van Dood has coached the team since its inception.
“It’s great for our seniors,” Van Dood continued. “Especially for our captain, Katie Hoeg. We were always in a tough league. Hampton Bays was always hot, Wyandanch always had some great teams, Center Moriches won a lot of championships, but now it’s our turn.”
Mattituck wins Suffolk County Class B championship, 59-42Mattituck defeated Center Moriches tonight, 59-42, becoming the first girls basketball team in school history to win a county championship.
Posted by SoutholdLOCAL on Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The first-seeded Tuckers were scorching hot out of the gates and as they continued to extend the lead, Center Moriches looked to be toast, quickly falling victim for a soon to be third time at the hands of the Mattituck arsenal.
But to their credit, the Red Devils didn’t give in. The second quarter was all Center Moriches. A 17-5 game after one quarter finished 28-23 at the half with the Red Devils ahead. They ripped off a 13-0 run during the stretch.
Adjustments needed to be made at halftime. Mattituck was in a position they weren’t to accustom to being in all season.
“I don’t think we ever trailed at half all season,” Van Dood said. “We got them fired up at halftime.”
Liz Dwyer and Katie Hoeg came out in the second half on a mission.
“I knew we wanted it more,” said Hoeg, who scored 16 points to go along with her eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals.
To start the third quarter, Dwyer found Hoeg for a basket first and then Hoeg hooked up with Dwyer for another bucket.
“I say we’re twins and have twin telepathy,” Dwyer joked. “If she’s cutting I know it.”
The plan was clearly get the two players going on the offensive side of the ball. They both took turns getting to the line and took control of the game because of it. Dwyer scored a game-high 21 points.
“Our effort was there,” Dwyer said. “I didn’t worry too much because when we’re down, we know how to get it together.”
Not lost in the mix was a tremendous performance by Mackenzie Daly, who chipped in 10 points for the Tuckers. She routinely drove to the rack with no fear, despite the Red Devil’s size advantage, and finished with ease.
The win will pit Mattituck against the Class C champion, Pierson/Bridgehampton for Small School Champion bragging rights. The game will be played on Saturday at noon at Riverhead High School.
No matter the result, Mattituck will participate in the state tournament. Because of the time gap between the end of the Suffolk County championships and state playoffs, Class C, B, and A qualifiers will duke it out to determine who is the Small School Champion. The small school champion will then play the large school champion to be crowned Section XI Champion.
The Tuckers will play Carle Place or Oyster Bay in the Long Island final on March 1 at St. Joseph’s College. The state playoffs will begin afterward.
But until then, Mattituck will enjoy what it has just accomplished, knowing that they’re in a class of their own.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by George Faella
