The Locust Valley High School boys and girls varsity basketball teams each played in memorable semifinal games at Hofstra University on Feb. 22.
At 1 p.m., the 15-3 girls team took on the 12-8 Seaford High School Vikings. The Falcons trailed by 11 points after the first quarter and seven points coming into the fourth quarter. Guards Reily Roberts and Payton Tini led the way with 19 and 15 points, respectively, as the Falcons outscored the Vikings 20-8 in the final frame to send the team to the county championship with a 45-40 victory. They will take on Cold Spring Harbor at Hofstra at 4:30 p.m. on March 1.
Immediately following the girls’ comeback win, the boys tried to recreate their comeback magic against the Malverne High School Mules. After a tight first half ended with a 17-14 Mules lead, the deficit ballooned to 14 going into the fourth. The boys played an inspired fourth quarter, led by forward Mike Hancock, who scored a team-high 16 on the day. Despite their best efforts, the Falcons were defeated by Malverne in a final score of 57-51.
The Locust Valley community is very proud of the sportsmanship and hard work the student-athletes showed, not only during the playoffs, but the entire season.