Wilcenski's three gives Southold big win

They are such good friends that Dantre Langhorne of Greenport often spends weekends at the home of Winston Wilcenski of Southold. Last night, Wilcenski was the visitor . . . or more precisely, the home wrecker.

The junior sharpshooter nailed a three-pointer under duress with 1:13 remaining that gave the Settlers the lead for good and they held on to defeat the previously undefeated Porters, 49-45, before a spirited near-capacity crowd at Greenport, despite 31 points and a sensational all-around game by Langhorne.

"We're best friends and AAU teammates, so I guess I have bragging rights for now," said Wilcenski, who had four three-pointers en route to 21 points. "We were having fun out there. Even during those foul shots at the end , we were both laughing and enjoying the atmosphere. We'll probably see each other again in the playoffs."

Greenport (13-1, 8-1 in League VIII) entered the game ranked No. 1 in the state in Class C, according to the state sportswriters poll. "It's a great feeling any time you knock off a No. 1 team," said Southold coach Jeff Ellis, whose team improved to 8-5, 6-3. "We know Dantre is a great player and I think Winny answered that a little bit and made a name for himself."

Wilcenski is a classic streak shooter and has been in a rut lately. But he nailed a baseline jumper on his first shot late in the first quarter and that got him going. "When that first shot goes in, the hoop looks so big and the ball feels so small," Wilcenski said.

Wilcenski scored 10 of the Settlers' 12 points in the third quarter when they grabbed a 38-33 lead. Langhorne had all nine of Greenport's points in the period, including a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer. His spinner in the lane capped a 10-0 run that put the Porters ahead 41-38.

Langhorne, who also had 12 rebounds, six assists and five blocks, tied it at 43 with a baseline drive and two free throws to put Greenport ahead 45-44 with 1:28 left. That's when Wilcenski got free on the right wing for his trey. After a rare Langhorne miss, Alex Conway (11 points, 18 rebounds) iced it on a basket inside with 15 seconds left.

SEE PHOTOSSouthold 49, Greenport 45

"We know Winny can do it," Ellis said. "He's a catch-and-shoot kid who was in catch-and-shoot mode."

Wilcenski might catch a little grief from his friend on Langhorne's next visit.