Story Created:
Dec 27, 2008 at 12:19 AM EST
Story Updated:
Dec 27, 2008 at 12:58 AM EST
WESTMORELAND, N.Y. (WKTV) - Frankfort-Schuyler head coach Mike Rozonkiewiecz said his 0-4 team was on the verge of winning.
On Friday night, the Maroon Knights finally did.
Taking on undefeated Westmoreland in the Bulldogs' own holiday tournament opener, Frankfort-Schuyler got over the victory hump with a well-played 63-51 upset.
Playing two 16-minute halves instead of the usual four eight-minute quarters as a trial run for a possible near-future rule change, Frankfort-Schuyler took a 31-27 lead into the break. After a 6-0 run early in the second half made it 39-31, Westmoreland, 6-0 coming in, used a 9-2 run to cut it to 41-40. But the Maroon Knights would not let this one get away, exploding for a 13-2 run for a 54-42 lead. Westmoreland could not answer as its offense disappeared down the stretch, never getting closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Four players scored in double-figures for Frankfort-Schuyler, led by Ron Gatto with 18 points and eight rebounds. Vinny Reina added 12 points and four assists, Joe Cooper had 11 points and eight rebounds, and Christian Caiola scored 11 points, as well.
Kyle Eisnor led Westmoreland with 21 points and six rebounds and Dan DeCarlo had 10 points, nine rebounds and two blocks.
Frankfort-Schuyler will face Watertown-IHC, a 65-50 winner over Waterville in the other first-round game, in the championship Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Westmoreland plays Waterville in the consolation game at 6:00.
