Unleashing the Potential of Mattituck Tuckers Basketball
Challenges Faced by the Boys Team
The Mattituck boys basketball team, with a freshmen-heavy squad, will be competing against larger Class A squads and some B teams in Suffolk County League VI. This is a significant challenge as they have to punch above their weight. Head coach Paul Ellwood is accustomed to this, stating that facing tough competition like Southampton and Center Moriches has raised the program's standards. Last season, Southampton won the county Class A title and the Long Island championship. "Either one of those teams could win the state in Class A," Ellwood said. The team, which had a 7-13 record and a 4-10 league record last season, is looking to improve and make a playoff run. They have a younger look this season but are confident in their talent. Senior guard Justin Fox, the lone returning senior with significant playing time, believes they can make a good run. "We definitely have a lot of young talent coming up," he said.The Tuckers will be bolstered by the return of former player Owen Searl and promising freshman Antonio Sparacio. Searl played on the JV for two seasons before transferring to Westtown School last year. "I think he's going be an impact player right off the bat," Ellwood said. Sparacio made an impact in his varsity debut last year by sinking a three-pointer only 13 seconds after entering the game. "My goal is to just get better every day and for the team just to keep winning," Sparacio said.
Juniors Tyler Brown and Michael Buckley are also expected to contribute. Brown is a center, and Buckley is a point guard who led the JV hoops squad last year until he broke his wrist. Ellwood noted that Searl and Sparacio add depth to a thin roster.
Goals and Expectations for the Boys Team
The Tuckers have two ways to look at the challenge. They could struggle against larger schools but use it to prepare for success among Class B schools and reach the playoffs. To do this, they need at least a.500 record against B sides. "We've always had Southampton, Center Moriches in our leagues, which is good, because kids see great basketball from those schools," Ellwood said. "It always raised our program because it made the kids work harder."Senior guard Owen Searl is looking forward to facing tough teams. "I'm looking forward to facing those teams, because that's going to be our best competition. That's really going to show us where we're at and what we can do," he said.
The focus on defense is also important. "We should definitely have a lot of stops on defense," guard Justin Fox said. "I think that's where we'll shine the best."
Success Stories of the Girls Team
After capturing the Suffolk County Class B title last year, the girls basketball team has aspirations of repeating this season. Star point guard Claire McKenzie is the team's No. 1 weapon, averaging 12.2 points a game as a sophomore. She is versatile and has added a step-back jump shot to her repertoire. "I'm still playing point guard, but we might have someone else dribble down the court so I can go to the side, knock down some threes and get to the basket," McKenzie said.Senior guards Paige Rittberg and Riley Corrigan, along with Rhianna Lutz, will provide support. Rittberg and Corrigan can score 10 to 12 points a game with quick jump shots. Lutz adds speed, quickness, deflections, and steals. "With Paige helping out dribbling, that's going to help Claire getting off the ball," coach Steve Van Dood said. "Riley Corrigan … can score 10 to 12 points a game just on quick jump shots. Rhianna adds speed, quickness, deflections and steals. Those veteran players are going to be fitting into the type of defense and offense I have envisioned for his team."
The team also has standout soccer player Casey Szczotka, who is expected to help on the boards. Juniors Page Kellershon and McKenna Clark, members of the lacrosse team, are also in the mix. "We have a lot of new people playing that have never played basketball before," McKenzie said. "They're really athletic. They all play soccer and lacrosse, and they're really good that we can put on defense."
Intense Rivalries and Unique Dynamics
Mattituck's most intriguing League VII games will involve Greenport/Southold. The rivals split their two regular season contests last year before the Tuckers won the semifinals. Due to the proximity of the schools, many games are fiercely contested, but the girls also have a unique dynamic as they play together in other sports. "On the court, we obviously all bring it to the table," Lutz said. "We all want the win. But when we see each other outside of school, after the game, we'll all hug, catch up with one another. There's never any hard feelings about it."The Tuckers will begin their League VI season at Babylon on Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. after four non-league contests. With a mix of young players and senior leadership, they are ready to compete this year and build towards the future.