Rams Come Up Short Against Bigger Hawks Squad

The Rams were not able to find their offense Tuesday night against a bigger Plainview-JFK Hawks team, which defeated West Hempstead, 40-35. The boys varsity squad did not look at all like the team that Valley Stream North by 36 points in their last game on Dec. 3.

"Our offense was not productive at all today," said Rams Coach Ed Cosgrove. "We didn't exexcute well from the field or from the free-throw line."

The Rams shot 31 percent from the field and went seven for 21 at the charity stripe. They had a team-low six assists and 23 turnovers.

"If we had shot at least 50 percent from the free-throw line we would have had them tied at the end," said Cosgrove. "We would like to have these guys shooting at least 65 percent."

The Hawks, led by leading scorer Greg Rankel, made life tough for West Hempstead. Their height helped them to out-rebound a smaller Rams squad and they were able to alter a lot of their shots.

It was a low scoring affair though, as the Hawks led only 22-18 at halftime. They managed to stay ahead of the Rams in the second half off multiple Rankel layups.

The closest West Hempstead came was 33-30, thanks to their unrelenting pressure defense.

"We pressured them heavily, bringing the ball up the floor and it worked in our favor," said Cosgrove. "We forced some turnovers and almost tied the game up."

It was not to be, as Plainview was more consistent at the free-throw line toward the end of the game, giving them the 40-35 victory.

Tyree Glascoe led all scorers with nine points. Brandon Zapelli had two three-pointers and seven points.

Next game: The Rams will take on H. Frank Carey High School on Dec. 14 at 6:30pm on their home court.