North Rockland girls basketball Head Coach Kevin Metcalf walked by Pearl River guard Marissa Scognamiglio was a reporter interviewed her after the Pirates' 70-54 victory over his Raiders Monday.
Scognamiglio spoke about the teams playing twice this week. Monday's game was at Pearl River and the rematch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday at North Rockland.
"It's kinda fun," Scognamiglio said. "We came out hard today. Hopefully, we'll come out just as hard on Friday."
"Please don't," Metcalf joked.
Metcalf spoke about his North Rockland team (10-3) measuring their growth against Pearl River (9-2), which remained undefeated in Rockland County.
"We have to do a better job of understanding the aura of Pearl River," Metcalf said. "I'm actually gald we played them here first. I couldn't imagine having lived that and then have to go to Pearl River Friday."
North Rockland attacked Pearl River with defensive pressure and an up-tempo offense, basically the style the Pirates favor.
"We kinda like that," Scognamiglio said. "We like an upbeat game, fast-paced and up-tempo. It's nice to play a team like that. It's a little weird playing a press like they do and breaking a press the way they do. It's kind of a flip-flop (from what we normally do)."
"I think they play a lot like we do," Pearl River Head Coach Lorraine Moylan said. "It's a great challenge to play against them. It's exciting to watch and be involved with them."
Pearl River dominated early Monday, building a 24-6 lead against a young North Rockland team after one quarter. The Raiders were able to calm down and cut the deficit to eight in the fourth quarter, but could get no closer.
"We knew we had to buckle down on defense and get deflections and steals and make them turn over the ball, which is what we did," Scognamiglio said. "We took advantage on the offensive end."
So what would the Pirates like to do differently in the rematch?
"We gave away too many turnovers in the second half, so just posessing the ball and being smart with it," Scognamiglio said.
Pearl River Softball Coach Carlacci Resigns
The other news out of Pearl River athletics Monday was the recent resignation of softball coach Mike Carlacci, Rockland County's all-time leader in softball coaching victories. Carlacci, who will continue as a math teacher at the high school, would only say that he felt the decision was best for his family.
Upcoming Schedules
Pearl River's varsity sports teams are off today through Thursday due to mid-terms.
Friday's Events
- Pearl River girls basketball at North Rockland, 4 p.m.
- Harrison at Pearl River boys basketball, 7 p.m.
- Pearl River ice hockey vs. Byram Hills at Sport-O-Rama, 9:15 p.m.
Saturday
- Pearl River boys and girls indoor track teams in New Balance Games at The Armory, 9 a.m.
- Pearl River Wrestling at RCPSAL Tournament, 9:30 a.m.
- Pearl River ice hockey vs. Ossining at Sport-O-Rama, 7 p.m.
Share Sports Results, Pictures on Patch
Coaches, parents and other followers of Pearl River athletics, please send scores and information to ryan.buncher@patch.com or upload your pictures directly to stories about games as they are posted on Pearl River Patch.
Don't forget this can include youth sports as well as updates on local athletes as they compete on the college level.
