Split decision for Panthers in pair of face-offs

The Adelphi Academy Panthers Middle School Basketball Team wasback in action on Tuesday, December 6 for a road game against theGarden School in Queens.

The Panthers started off the game in an aggressive man-to-mandefense and managed to convert 10 fast break points to take a 20-15lead at the half. Adelphi continued their strong play in the thirdquarter, sparked by the defensive intensity of substitutes DanielRahman, Devron Woodson, Mitchell Urin and Arber Kadiu.

Our bench came in and did a great job of preserving our leadand giving our starters a breather, said Athletic Director andHead Coach James Pristouris.

The Panthers took their last lead of the game on a Kaplan Cekiqlay-up with 2:01 left in the game. Adelphi’s next four possessionsresulted in two turnovers and four missed free throws. The GardenSchool was able to capitalize and, with :02 seconds remaining, icedthe game on two free throws to earn a 38-34 victory.

We lost our composure late in the game but that is part of thelearning process. I will make sure we are better prepared the nexttime, said Pristouris.

The Panthers were led by Louis Marotto and Kaplan Cekiq with 26and 12 points, respectively.

Adelphi was back in action the very next day with a home tiltagainst the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. The Panthers bouncedback well and led from start to finish in a 32-29 win. The game washighlighted by the spirited play of new addition Malik Dodson, whofinished with 11 rebounds and four steals.

Malik has a motor that won’t quit. He doesn’t take plays off oneither end of the floor and goes after every rebound and looseball, said Adelphi assistant coach Peter Lim.

Louis Marotto once again led the Panthers with 29 points,including 7-9 from the free throw line. For the season , Marotto isaveraging 27 points a game and has made 20 of 27 free throwattempts.

With the win, Adelphi improves to 2-2 on the season. ThePanthers are back on the court Tuesday, December 13 for a roadcontest against the United Nations School in Queens.