Six days made a world of difference.
Kevin Stempsey scored 31 points, and Bethlehem’s defense forced numerous Niskayuna turnovers in a 58-43 Suburban Council boys basketball victory last Friday.
The game was a far cry from the first time the two teams met at the Niskayuna Invitational Dec. 2, when Niskayuna won a defensive struggle 48-45 to take third place at its own tournament.
We shot 34 percent from the floor last week, and we shot 52 percent tonight, said Bethlehem coach Jeremy Klugman. `That was the difference.`
Niskayuna’s offense never found a comfortable groove against Bethlehem’s full-court press in the rematch. When the Silver Warriors (0-2 league, 1-3 overall) weren’t turning the ball over, they were heaving up shots in traffic that didn’t fall.
`I think they did a much better job on the defensive end pressuring our guards, and our guys didn’t take care of the ball,` said Niskayuna coach Mike Black.
Stempsey had no such problems at the offensive end. The senior guard drained five three-pointers and drove through Niskayuna’s defense for layups to lead Bethlehem’s offense.
`He’s a great player,` Black said of Stempsey. `Once he gets going, he’s a handful.`
Stempsey received some much-needed help from his teammates. Gleason Judd contributed a season-high nine points, and Dan Lanchantin added six points for the Eagles (1-1, 1-3).
`Our shot selection has been mediocre so far to say the least, so our effort tonight was much better,` said Klugman.
Will Burkey scored 11 points, and Alex Olbrych contributed nine points for Niskayuna, which is recovering from the graduation of most of last year’s team.
`I’m pleased with our effort,` said Black. `It’s a process for us. We’ve just got to get better and better each night, and with the exception of tonight, I’ve felt we’ve done that.`
Bethlehem traveled to undefeated Shenendehowa for a Suburban Council game Tuesday, while Niskayuna hosted Averill Park.“