Dwyer scores 28, but Mattituck falls in ‘B’ final
Mattituck forward Katie Hoeg (20) shoots the jumper over Marlboro guard Julia Rusk (10) during the first half of the game in Danzi Arena at St. Joseph's College on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Katie Hoeg fouled out, took a seat on the bench, and the crowd began to chant her name.
The game was in hand, the finest season in the history of the Mattituck’s girls basketball program was nearing its end, and still the “KA-TIE HO-EG” chants reigned down.
“I never cry in front of people, but it was overwhelming,” Hoeg said after Mattituck fell to Marlboro, 74-61, Saturday night in the Class B regional final at St. Joseph’s College. “Even though it didn’t end the way we wanted, we are so proud to get here. So I’m sad, but also happy.”
The senior forward, who will play lacrosse at the University of North Carolina, departs having guided the Tuckers this season to their first county title and Long Island championship in girls basketball. She leaves the team in the capable hands of sophomore Liz Dwyer, who had 28 points.
“We made history,” Dwyer said, “and you can’t get better than that.”
The Tuckers’ historic season concluded after an impressive shooting display by Marlboro. Missy Sadlor’s jumper gave Marlboro, which led 39-24 at the half, its largest lead at 49-28 with just under four minutes remaining in the third. Dwyer hit two free throws and Hoeg drained a three to pull Mattituck within 49-33.
Dwyer then hit a straightaway three and, off a turnover, Hoeg sent a bounce pass to Corinne Reda, who’s layup cut the Mattituck deficit to 50-38 with 2:40 left in the third. Hoeg followed with a three to cap a 13-1 run and pull Mattituck within 50-41.
Marlboro’s Talaya Lewis grabbed the rebound off a missed three that would have cut the deficit to six, and rushed downcourt for the layup. A three by Sadlor with seconds left in the third increased the Iron Dukes’ lead to 55-43. Marlboro then opened the fourth on an 11-2 run to seal it.
“We are a young team. We will probably bounce back next year and hopefully be back in this game,” Mattituck coach Steve Van Dood said. “We made it this far when nobody even picked us to win the league.”
Sadlor had 24 points for Marlboro. Hoeg had 13 points and Reda added 10 for Mattituck (20-3).
“Katie and all the seniors did great this season,” Dwyer said. “If I was a senior, this would be a good way to go out, by making history. Hopefully we go even further next season.”
