Anderson Scores 25 In Small School Loss

Center Moriches senior Ahkee Anderson sank three shots from beyond the arc and tallied a team-high 25 points, but his team’s efforts fell just short in a 78-75 loss to Class A’s Amityville in the Suffolk County small school championship February 28.

The former Greenport star led his Class B crown-winning team, which trailed 60-56 entering the final stanza, by sinking 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. The Red Devils took a 75-71 lead with 2:48 left after Anderson made a behind-the-back pass to a teammate under the basket, a completed a three-point play in consecutive possessions.

Darnell Evans (26) and Myles Goddard (24) combined for 50 points to lead Amityville. Evans made a layup with 5.1 seconds left for the last basket. After a timeout, Center Moriches was able to get a look at a last-second shot, but missed the potential game-tying three-pointer.

Senior Nae’Jon Ward, who competed previously for Bridgehampton, finished with seven points off two field goals and a three-point shot.

Center Moriches continues its quest for a state title, facing Malverne in the regional semifinals at Centereach High School March 10 at 7 PM. Amityville takes on Class AA champion Brentwood for the overall Section XI title at Ward Melville High School March 5 at 7:30 PM.

desiree@indyeastend.com