Since 2012, the Bears have been the terror of League VIII boys’ basketball, winning three outright League Championships with an overall record of 39-5. Tonight they began their quest for a fourth consecutive league crown with a 59-28 blitz of the Ross School, fueled by a tenacious defense.

The Bears suffocated Ross from the opening tip, running off a 21-0 surge to start the game. The Cosmos’ first 16 possessions resulted in three traveling calls, nine steals, a shot clock violation, a back court violation, a jump ball, and an airball. The Brook had no such problem with the ball in their hands. Robbie Colarusso scored the first six points of the game on a jumper, a tough fadeaway baseline shot, and a layup. The defense continued to feed the offense as the boys scored 12 fast break points in the first quarter initiated by steals. The Cosmos did not score until 1:01 was left in the opening frame, ending the quarter with a 2-21 deficit.

The defense did not relent in the second quarter as the Cosmos were corralled at every turn, finding no room to initiate their offense, much less penetrate and attack. On their first 30 possessions they registered just a single field goal; meanwhile, the Bears continued to accelerate. Mac Bohuny, in his first start of the season, had four first half steals, including one that led to a layup and a foul. After he converted the free throw the Blue and White had an insurmountable 30-2 edge en route to a 32-7 first half lead.

There was no let down for the Bears’ as their relentless defense continued into the third quarter. Three steals, three blocks, including a vicious rejection by Jyles Etienne, and a shot clock violation kept Ross at bay in the opening four minutes of the second half, en route to a 31-point victory. Robbie Colarusso led all scorers with 21, upping his points per game average to 19.3, slotting him at #21 in all of Suffolk County and #2 in League VIII. Luke Meyer chipped in with 10 points and 4 steals, Bohuny added 7 points to go along with 4 steals, and Etienne scored 6.

With the win, coach Mike Hickey and the Brook improve to 27-0 all-time against Ross. In the Bears’ next matchup they face Greenport at home on Monday at 4:30pm.

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