Joel Mather's basket keeps Pierson from squandering big lead
#14 Casey Finelli and Max Vogel of Pierson go start the celebration at mid court as time expires in the Suffolk Class C championship against Southold on Sunday March 1, 2026 in Patchogue. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
With the game tied and 23.9 seconds left on the clock and the county championship hanging in the balance, Joel Mather called iso (an isolation play).
He made a crossover to create separation and pulled up for a midrange jumper. All that he heard was the ball go through the back of the net.
Mather made the go-ahead basket to lead top-seeded Pierson to a 62-59 victory over No. 2 Southold in the Suffolk Class C county championship game Sunday at St. Joseph's in Patchogue.
"I wanted to play more than anything," Mather said. "It's my legacy I wanted to show up for my team, and I knew I had to play my heart out."
"He's not afraid of the moment," coach Daniel White said. "Hats off to Joel, he came through for us."
Mather suffered an ankle injury during a practice, so being able to show up for his team made the win even better.
"I'm running on three Advil, I'm taped up, wearing double socks," Mather said. "But I knew I had to push through it. I've been training for this my whole life, so winning this one feels great."
Pierson will face a representative from Section I in the regional finals Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Longwood.
The Whalers (16-5) had an 18-point lead going into the second half, but a rejuvenated Southold team came into the half better than ever, prepared to leave it all on the court. The First Settlers went on a 19-2 run to close out the third quarter that extended into the final frame to cut the lead to 51-47. However, timely plays kept the Whalers alive.
"Coach emphasizes the little plays, getting on the ground, diving for loose balls," said Jack Kamimura, who had 10 points. "We're a smaller team, so we have to do the extra things to keep us in games."
Southold guard CJ Bailey knocked down a corner three to tie the game at 59. After Mather's shot, Nate Culver made a free throw to seal the victory.
"I missed the first one because I was rushing it," Culver said. "I collected myself, took a deep breath, and didn't let the moment overtake me.
Mather finished the game with 15 points. Culver and Casey Finelli both scored 11 for Pierson.
Travis Sepenoski had a game-high 20 points, and Kyan Olsen scored 16 for Southold (13-8).
Southold coach Will Fujita said he's proud of his team's efforts not to give up and to battle back.
"I love this team, I mean, how could you not?" he said. "We started slow, but we dug ourselves out of the hole. I tip my cap to Pierson, but I'm proud of my team."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
