Whitman Advances To States

WESTBURY, NEW YORK -- Nick Carter and Antoine Agudio combined for 24 points to lead Walt Whitman High School past Uniondale High School, 53-36, in a Class "A" championship game matchup today.

Whitman advances to the New York State championships next week.

In a sluggish start but a well-played defensive game by both sides, Whitman led 9-8 after the first quarter. Uniondale's guards tried to deny any perimeter jumpshooting by Agudio and Carter. Uniondale was actually very successful in stopping the talented underclassmen from getting their games going offensively.

Whitman did expand the lead to 24-13. Big man Matt Ross did some damage inside for Whitman. He scored eight points in the quarter to help Whitman pull ahead.

Whitman's second half lead expanded to 18 points in the third quarter. Ryan Fautstin did an excellent job in this quarter. He scored eight points, mostly on putbacks and inside moves.

Uniondale would cut the lead to eight points in the fourth quarter but there is depth on this Whitman team. And when the inside forwards weren't scoring, Agudio and Carter took to the lane and drove to the basket despite the defensive pressure.

Agudio finished with 13 points while Carter had 11 points. Ross and Faustin each scored eight and Justin Klotsche hit two very important three-pointers in the third quarter to help Whitman win this battle.

Anthony Noble led Uniondale with 15 points.