Whalers On A Win Streak

These Whalers have bounced back big in this new year.

Pierson’s boys basketball team (7-6 overall, 6-0 in League VIII) rebounded from a four-game losing streak in December to take the first four in January.

“Everybody is willing to be selfless to better the whole,” head coach Will Fujita said previously. “As a coach you can’t really ask for anything else.”

Most recently, Wilson Bennett has been blasting his way to the top of the Whalers scoresheet.

In a 74-50 win over Greenport January 18, the sophomore racked up 23 points off nine field goals and five free-throws. In a 64-54 win over Smithtown Christian five days prior, he put up 18 points on six field goals and six free-throws. Senior Henry Brooks also continues to dazzle spectators. He combined with Bennett to nearly top the Porters on Saturday, scoring 22 points off five field goals and four three-pointers. In the game against Smithtown Christian, where he catapulted himself into the 1000-point-scorer club, he finished with eight to leave room for nine others to make baskets.

 “I’m happy with the attitude they’re bringing,” Fujita said. “They push each other both on and off the court. I have a great group of seniors that lead by example. They’re all great kids and great friends.”

Brooks also brought down the house with a game-high 36 points on eight field goals, six three-pointers, and two free-throws in a 101-28 win at Bridgehampton January 7, and did it again by putting up a game-high 29 points on seven field goals, four three-pointers, and three free-throws in a 60-43 victory over Southold January 3.

“We’ve done a good job on the offensive blasts,” Fujita said. “We just need to tighten things up defensively.”

What he’s also impressed with is his team’s ability to grab offensive rebounds, regardless of whether they’re thrown back at the basket for points. The team looked to keep the momentum alive in a January 21 game at Shelter Island (6-8, 3-3), but results were unavailable by press time.

“Offensive rebounds show a lot about their heart,” Fujita said. “It means they’re hungry.”

desiree@indyeastend.com