Are you convinced?
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- February
- 27
If you doubted North Salem this season, last night should serve as your warning.
The Tigers had every opportunity to lose to Irvington last night night. They lost their star 6-foot-5 center, Marc Miller, for the majority of the first half because of foul trouble. They shot poorly from the outside. And they let Brittain Purcelle shoot 3s and get into the paint, and have one of those memorable County Center performances.
But the bottom line is, North Salem still won. It pulled out a 66-58 victory — its 21st in a row — despite Irvington playing about as well as it possibly could. Throw in all the elements: all the offensive rebounds, the clutch free throws, the defensive stops, the loose balls, and the cool, calm and collected mentality, and you’ll know that North Salem pulled out a victory that only one type of team is capable of:
A championship team.
There was no one hero. There was about six of them.
Miller, who sat 10 minutes and 45 seconds in the first half with foul trouble, had seven of his 11 rebounds in the fourth quarter and scored 14 points. He completely dominated the paint in the final period.
Karl Miras had a team-high 17 points, including three 3-pointers and four fourth-quarter free throws. He is incredible at following his shot and being a factor on the offensive boards. If you have a young child, show him what Miras does after he releases the ball.
Tom Kruze, playing despite a growingly-painful knee injury, had 14 rebounds. At one point, he was hunched over at centercourt, nearly in tears as he cursed the pain in his knee. He limped off the court and looked like he was done for the game. He came back four minutes later.
Josh O’Neill had 14 points, eight of which came in the third quarter as the Tigers went from down eight at the half to tied entering the fourth. He buried an NBA-range 3-pointer in the third, but was excellent driving to the hoop.
Greg Shea also had a pair of key 3-pointers in the third quarter. Greg Budetti sank two late free throws to help put the game away.
“This was a team effort,” O’Neil said. “That’s how we play.”
North Salem shot 8 of 10 from the line in the fourth quarter, the only two misses coming when Miller clanged a couple of shots off the rim with 10 seconds to play and the Tigers up six. Otherwise, they played a flawless fourth quarter when just about every critic figured it would collapse under the pressure.
Purcelle had a heroic effort of his own go for naught. He scored 19 of his 27 points in the first half, shooting 4 of 5 from 3-point range. Purcelle also had four first-quarter assists. He finished with six.
“We scrimmaged Irvington earlier this year. After seeing (Purcelle) then and seeing him now, he must have been taking it easy on us back then. Because not only was hitting his shots, he was making everything happen. He’s an unbelievable player who really excelled on this stage.”
Miller, who might be the best interview of any high school player I’ve ever covered, continued about Purcelle:
“We guarded him trying to stop the penetration and he started to hit the 3s. He’s got 15 3-pointers coming into the game and we figured that wouldn’t be a factor… we were wrong.”
Any impartial fan in the stands tonight immediately began to cheer for Purcelle, who had a couple of Kobe-like step-back jumpers, usually in a big spot. (By the way, the “U-S-A” chants when Brittain was at the line were funny. Bravo). He scored 10 points in the final three minutes of the second quarter, helping Irvington stake an eight-point halftime lead.
But it wasn’t enough, not against a North Salem team that simply knows how to win games. My story for in The Journal News revolves around the pregame introductions. If you were there, you know what I’m talking about.
Four of Irvington’s starters (except Purcelle) had a choreographed introduction that included chest-pumps, high-fives, shimmies and dance steps. North Salem simply jogged off the bench. North Salem came jogging out. It exemplified the fact Irvington was happy to be at the County Center. And it showed that North Salem was there on business.
Obviously, pregame introductions have no impact on the outcome of a game. It’s not at all why Irvington lost. It more illustrated the laid-back, humble approach North Salem take to every game. This is a top-seeded team that graduated four starters, and they haven’t lost since the season opener, and that was to a Class AA playoff team. And we almost never talk about them. They don’t say a word about it, though, and just go about their business.
That mentality certainly came in handy in the first half when it quickly went down by double digits. But just when you thought Cinderella’s glass slipper was going to come crashing to the County Center floor, the Tigers stayed relaxed and won the game. They never lost their focus. Most of all, they never panicked.
Championship teams never do.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 at 2:28 am by Kevin Devaney Jr..
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Just an FYI…Irvington has done those introductions at every single game, no matter where they play throughout the seaon. Every game. If you had attended any other games from the beginning you would have known that. It was not choreographed for this particular game. These are a group of great kids, who were excited to play not only this game but all year and were excited to have the first winning season in 10 YEARS and I have no idea why you would focus on that when there were so many other elements to that game.
I have no ties to North Salem, but am happy to see a team with so much talent and humility continue to win. They are setting an example that everyone should want to mimic-
hard work, intensity, team-spirit and to top it off they don’t boast and neither do their fans. Their actions speak louder than words. Great Job North Salem and congratulations to Irvington for putting up a great fight. I would love to see North Salem beat Briarcliff in the finals for all the reasons stated above-which is too bad for the talented treo that Briarcliff has been bragging about all year.Why do you never give credit to Nedwick. Its just boggles my mind how you always keep saying Purcelle, when Nedwick also had an amazing game. Not as good as Purcelle because hes a fantastic player, but come on it wasnt all Purcelle.
Nedwick had a nice 1st quarter, but pulled a great Houdini disappearing act in the 2nd half. He’s very fortunate he had a chance to play with Purcelle for all these years, because Purcelle constantly commanded 2 – 3 players to watch him. As the main weapon, he’s average at best. Karl Miras had his way with Nedwick defensively.
By the way, the Irvington’s big’s were HACKING Miller underneath all night. It was good to see him persevere and blow them up in the 4th. NS over B-Cliff in the finals.
complete joke…Is that why Miller had all those fouls in the first half. As usual, blame the ref.
miller had to fouls in the first, calm down there joe
I think it it very difficult to say that Nedwick was fortunate to have Purcelle or vice-versa. From what they both came from back when they played together in 05-06 until now, they have complimented each other and grown together enormously. They led this team to the semi-finals. They turned a losing program into one that made some serious noise this year. Purcelle couldn’t have done it without Nedwick and Nedwick could have not done it without Purcelle. They are different players with different strengths and weaknesses. They have also played AAU together for years. They are friends, great teammates and have both elevated eachothers games and when they both play on the college level, which as I’ve heard they both are, they have eachother to thank. So all the haters (WestHoops) who want to put one over the other – get a life. Britt and Nick we are proud of you – you gave us a great run!
WestHoops,
I guess the rules don’t apply to Marc Miller. He can just camp out in the paint every play, and go over the back on every rebound. I know its the worst excuse in basketball, but the refs truely influenced the outcome of the game. They made almost everycall in the 2nd half, in favor of North Salem.
Marc Miller did his share of hacking, but you never noticed because they never called fouls on him
nick and britt and the rest of the bulldogs, great job on a great season. you reached the county center and came up a little short last night. you guys and teammates anc coaches should b proud of what you accomplished this season. no trash talking on the blogs about other teams and players. you treATED many fans to a great game. irvington will be back being competive again. it hurts know but look back and see where you started to where you are today. GREAT SEASON FOR THE BOYS TEAM AND COACHES. I HAS A RESIDENT AM VERY PROUD OF YOU GUYS
As usual the losers always blame the refs. I guess Irvington didn’t get any calls.
One day we are adoring the dunkers for their “humble actions” and the next we are picking on an introduction, that is alleged by ???? to be a signature for Irv. Different teams and players may require a different approach to getting their head in the game. That is not necessarily wrong. A team should not be coached to be laid back ala Knicks. If that was what NS was in fact, and it worked, good for them. Not panick… yes that usually works on the hardwood and in life along with humble. But with a double digit lead in the first quarter maybe the intro worked for Irv and laid back was not best at that juncture. The intro was sure forgotten by the 4th quarter when the game turned to NS. Good for Miller sounds like an intelligent and good kid. But best ever HS interviewee. He didn’t, in the interview raise the issue, of the intro’s in the hoopla of his team’s victory, did he? If everyone took the NS approach you raise here, no one would be on your blog to read or respond. That would not be a good story line, be it ever so humble. Lastly a championship team ? one round to go, no, or was that a prediction?
When in Rome:
What are you saying? Miller picked up 2 quick fouls in the 1st five minutes and sat out for the rest of the first half. Shame on Irvington for not capitalizing on this. Stop blaming the refs for Irvington’s deficiencys.
The unknown
Bitter? As a side note, shame on the Irvington fans for their vulgar chants when things were going their way. There were hundreds upon hundreds of kids at the game last night who do not need to be subjected to that.
Guys,
I’m not criticizing Irvington for its introductions. Not at all. Every team does stuff like that; White Plains always has an elaborate pregame ritual. Peekskill and Mount Vernon usually do a little something extra. Every team does.
My point was to show North Salem came out. I felt it was very appropriate for their style and demeanor. I had to illustrate the situation by explaining what Irvington did first.
As I said, I don’t think the pregame introductions lost Irvington the game. I think Irvington actually carried its enthusiasm of its pregame into the first quarter, outhustling and outplaying North Salem early on. But my point was that North Salem never let the emotions get to them and won the game because of its composure and resiliency.
And, by the way, I went to two Irvington games this season.
By the way, I deleted that first comment about the ref. I don’t know if it’s true and writing something like that is basically like yelling “FIRE” in a movie theater. It will get everyone into a fury and we don’t (and might never) know if it’s true.
North Salem is probably the mostdisciplined and well coached team I hae ever seen, Sassone is incredible
First off- congratulations to both teams for putting on one of the best basketball games I’ve seen in a long time. Who needs March Madness when you’ve got County Center in February!
Secondly, your comments about the ref’s relationship with Coach Sassone. Considering Coach Sassone has been involved in coaching and as the AD of NS for over 25+ years- I’d say it was fairly certain that he would not only know a good percentage of the ref’s but also be friendly with them. Purely business sake would warrant that of any good coach. If you asked every ref that was “friendly†to a coach to recuse themselves, the pickings would be slim. Bad calls- they are made on both sides of the court- we could argue that one till we’re blue and it still won’t change anything.
As far as player introductions- each to their own and whatever works to get your team up. North Salem approaches their games in a business like manner and that involves every player shaking the opposing coach’s hand as well as the two refs’. Maybe you might also want to say that the athletes are “friendly†with the refs too. We tend to call that respect.
Lastly- Kevin Devaney- maybe you should venture north of White Plains to see some real school spirit. You can even check out all our team banners hanging in our gym demonstrating our success at the league, section, region and state levels in a variety of sports. You’d be pretty shocked to see that a small school like ours can produce competitive teams in all sports all the time. Give us a call and we’ll be glad to show you around!
Go Tigers- you make us proud!
NS Mom,
Your team won. I wrote a big article in today’s paper. I wrote an extensive blog entry here, marveling at the resiliency and determination of your team. I called you a “championship team” and detailed how so many players on the team contributed.
Yet you still take a jab at me?
What does that say?
And I was at North Salem this season for a game. I’ve been there several times over the last 2-3 seasons. I’m well aware of the banners and all the success coach Sassone has had in his career. But thanks for the offer.
NS Mom…Maybe you should read the article again. I think Kevin gave a pretty good account of the game. There were no negatives about your team. And the comment about the ref was made by somebody named “complete joke” Not Kevin. I don’t always agree with Kevin. But in this case I think you owe him an apology. “READ THE ARTICLE”
Kevin, No disrespect on the article- you were very kind to NS and right on with your comments. My apologies.
My comments about the refs were to the people making the comments about the refs- not Kevin.
You can be the AD and head basketball of a school? I heard that the old Briarcliff coach couldn’t be the head coach because he was the AD. He was a brilliant coach. Believe it or not Briarcliff would be better if they still had him. Anybody know what really happened with that situation?
Yes the board of ed voted that he would not be allowed to coach and be the AD which is totally ridiclous because he was one of the best coaches in the section and this team would be much better with him
Wow that is BS…He was a great and very knowledgeable young head coach and was very respected by players and fans.
I could not make the game yesterday. I am interested about Nedwick’s steal and put back layup with under a minute left that got called as a foul on Nedwick, his fifth. Can anyone tell me if it was a good call, bad call, or any details about the play or the game?
The call on Nedwick was awful, the whole game was extremely physical and to make such a ridiculous “touch foul” call at that point in the game was terrible. Irvington had their chances and credit to North Salem but that particular call was atrocious.
and after that, the game was pretty much over?
kevin… the kid that called ur name…right here… chris langelotti…remember it for next years team
The reason the Irvington boys lost was because they didn’t box anyone out in the second half and no one was able to man up down low with Miller. Also, the idea of playing a zone was just not smart. Playing the 2-3 and 3-2 that Irvington played opened up opportunities for the 3 best players to beat Irvington, instead of if they played man-to-man, only Miller would have had the chance to beat them.
Both teams played amazing and both teams deserved to win. THis came down to boxing out and better coaching.
Congrats to North Salem and good luck.
I have played with both Nick Nedwick and Brit Purcelle and both have the ability to be star players. Nicks role is the scorer and he steps aside to let Brit take over. But Nick can be the main man and can take over a game at any time, he can drive and dish better than Brit and his rebounding and defensive ability is underrated. Both will play again and become even better players on their respective college teams. Congrats of a great season to the two of them and good luck in the future.
West Hoops grow a sack.
Kevin you still havn’t explained why you give little to no credit to Nedwick.
Also, Miller was LIVING in the paint last night.
as a player in the same league as North Salem i saw them twice. they are not as laid back and calm as Kevin says. they talk trash just like everyone else, and when they were on the ropes against Pawling at home they played about as dirty as a team can play without getting the calls. but as for last night they proved to be a better team than Irvington. the one problem i saw with Irvington was that there was a stretch where Nick and Purcelle didnt even touch the ball on about 5 straight posessions. now no disrespect to the rest of the team, but they didnt step up as much as they needed to. North Salem has two superstars in Josh O’Niell and Marc Miller. Irvington has two superstars in Nediwck and Purcelle. but the role players stepped up for North Salem and i cant say the same about Irvington.
On a side note Kevin watch for the Pawling Tigers in the ‘08-’09 season. they are very angry with you for not giving them any credit during the season, Joe Matteo is the best shooter in section 1 guarenteed. and watch out for Nick Nedwick’s cousin Mike DeVito next season. Just throwing it out there Kevin.
kevin,i would be surprised if nedwick and or purcelle(they are very solid h.s players] play in college next yr,they are too small and not talented enough.thoughts?what about miller of no. salem and gulotta of bcliff?when is the h.s all star game,blue vs. gold game?who determines who is invited to play?
I hear that Miller is looking D3, but I do not know exactly where. The Con-Ed Award article said that he has a 95% average. He could probably get into any school he wants, maybe an Ivy League walk-on.
You must be a damn idiot. Purcelle and Nedwick will play basketball in college, Nedwick is going d3 and Purcelle WILL be going to play basketball somewhere. Miller is not good but he is big and tall so he’ll go to d3 and gullata should go somewhere and play D3.
regarding college b-ball for the 2 irvington players and the damn idiot reference,playing college ball is very difficult even at the div 3 level.there is no shame in just being a very good h.s player-as stated above.i am not a bcliff or no. salem fan/student,but gulotta and miller are better prospects for college than either of the irvington kids.
ok ok i have heard enough of this…..Brittain Purcelle and Nick Nedwick are easy college players and will bust any guard in sections B’s ass…...ya digg…...Britt will diddy bop your PG and Nedwick will straight take ur man to the rack…and if coach only put in number 40 it would be a wrap…..PS PORSHA HOLLA AT MEEEEEEEEE
I was at the game the other night and it really bothers me that all we hear about is Purcelle and to a lesser degree Nedwick. I was very impressed with Raimondo and McCarthy but I guess if you aren’t one of the “high scorers” you won’t get mentioned. I think those two played with so much heart and are true team players. It was a great game and the only call that was really bad was the one at the end with Nedwick, I still can’t believe it actually happened. It was a good effort by both teams but someone has to lose and someone has to win. Good luck to both teams next season.
irvington fan
you sound like a jealous parent….GET OVER YOUR SELF PURCELLE IS REAL AND HE DESERVES IT..YOU MUST NOT HAVE SEEN THE GAME…HES THE REAL DEAL THATS WHY ALL WE HEAR IS PURCELLE…MORE IMPORTANTLY IRVINGTON LOST AND YOUR STILL COMPLAINING ABOUT RECOGNITION…”one of those memorable County Center performances” as quoted by kevin divaney above….THATS WHY ALL YOU HEAR IS PURCELLE….