Price Is Clutch In Win

Despite an inspired effort by West Hempstead and 19 points from 6'7'' 195 pound senior Etienne Brower, Amityville proved why they are the three-time defending Class "B" champions in New York state, beating the Rams in the state quarterfinals 50-47 on Saturday at Stony Brook University.

Amityville used 20 points from high major prospect A.J. Price (right), along with Price's playmaking ability, to hold off a stubborn West Hempstead team that had led the game at the half and through three quarters.

After trailing by as many as nine in the third quarter, Amityville stormed back to tie the game at 35-35 early in the fourth on a three-pointer by 5'9'' sophomore guard P.J. Smith. Both teams would exchange leads and ties during an intense battle down the stretch. Brower was active on both ends of the floor to help keep the Rams afloat. It wasn't until the 1:58 mark in the fourth that Amityville captured a 45-42 lead - its largest of the half, on a Price runner.

West Hempstead would cut the lead to one with 1:46 to go, and after falling behind by four, an off-balance three pointer by Brower cut the deficit back to one, with :14 to play. After missing the front ends of two one-and-one's down the stretch, Price sunk two free throws, to seal the victory, 50-47.

Besides of contributions of Price, Amityville got a well-rounded effort, including solid efforts from forwards Mark Johnson, Craig Stewart, and Smith.

West Hempstead's other top contributor was 6'5'' 210 pound swingman Jeff Martin. You might recognize the sophomore by another name - Shaheed Martin. He had played as a freshman at Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, New Jersey, returning to school in his native Long Island. Martin possesses considerable talents - he handles the ball well for his size, can slash for buckets, elevates well on his jumper, and possesses good athleticism. He will likely travel this summer with The New York Gauchos.