Bulldogs Can't Stop South Side Offense, Lose 70-36

South Side's offense rolled last night in a 70-36 win over at South Side High School, with the last five off the Cyclones bench contributing as much as the team's starting five. South Side came out on fire, nailing six of its first seven shots and led 45-19 at the half, even though Head Coach Gerry D'Angelo played his bench for most of the second quarter.

"Our bench came in with great energy," D'Angelo said. "When they were in the game, we didn't miss a beat."

The Hewlett Bulldogs were led by sophomore Weldon Irvine, who finished with 12 points. Head Coach Bill Dubin, whose team only scored 22 points in the first three quarters, said they need to work on defense and play more physical under the basket. "We've been having the same problems all season," Dubin said. "We have to play defense. We have to box out better; we don't play physical enough."

South Side moved the ball seamlessly through Hewlett's man defense with set plays and back-door screens, playing an unselfish brand of basketball that amounted into one of South Side's most complete games of the season. The Cyclones had only 10 turnovers the entire game, and out-rebounded the Bulldogs 35-21.

"In yesterday's practice, we talked about pride being a big factor for us," D'Angelo said. "Our intensity was outstanding, kids were pushing each other and that showed today. This is a new year, and a new start for us."

The fresh start for South Side, however, may have to be done without senior captain Kevin Waxon. The starting point guard, who averages 17 points a game, was fouled hard on fast break layup two minutes into the third quarter, and fell awkwardly on his left wrist. Waxon remained down for about ten minutes and did not return to the game. 

D'Angelo said he did not know the extent of Waxon's injury, but in the event that Waxon cannot return to the team, he said other players will need to step up in his place. "We might have some nice candidates to fill in for him," D'Angelo said. "It will be a different dynamic for the team."

Hewlett faces off against Bethpage in a home game on Jan. 7, beginning at 7:15 p.m.