The Guilderland boys basketball team defeated a shorthanded Bethlehem squad 71-54 in a Suburban Council South Division game Friday, Jan. 23.
Ralph Simeone scored 25 points to help the Dutchmen (10-1 league, 11-1 overall) end the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak and increase their lead over Bethlehem to two games with five left to play.
Bethlehem star forward John Sica suited up but didn’t play in the game due to a mild injury he suffered in the Eagles’ 84-36 victory over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Tuesday, Jan. 20.
“He’d be the best player on the floor,” said Bethlehem coach A.G. Irons. “He averages about 15 points per game, but he makes a 25-point difference out there with his ability to rebound and block shots.”
Guilderland took advantage of Sica’s absence. The Dutchmen outworked the Eagles (9-3, 11-3) on rebounds, and without Sica to clear some space near the basket, Bethlehem had difficulty driving through Guilderland’s 2-3 zone defense.
“I thought we did a good job with it,” said Guilderland coach Mike Parks. “A lot of times when teams are missing their best player, other guys step up, and their guys certainly stepped up tonight. They played very well.”
Most of Simeone’s 25 points came in two 11-point spurts. The first happened in the opening quarter as Guilderland and Bethlehem traded baskets. The second 11-point outburst proved to be the difference, as Simeone sparked a 13-2 run to give the Dutchmen a 53-42 lead.
Andrew Platek – who was limited to five points in Guilderland’s 56-43 loss to Shenendehowa Jan. 20 – was once again held under his average of 24.3 points per game by a concerted defensive effort by Bethlehem. However, the junior guard contributed 14 points to help the Dutchmen avoid their second consecutive loss.
“We need to have other kids step up because we know other teams are going to focus on Andrew. It’s no secret,” said Parks. “All eight guys who played for us tonight contributed, which was nice to see.”
Kevin Weber and Luke Dole each scored 10 points for Bethlehem, which had scored 70 or more points in five of its last six games.
“It was a tough night. That’s what it comes down to,” said Irons.
Sica and his Bethlehem teammates have a week to rest up before traveling to Mohonasen Friday, Jan. 30. Guilderland scheduled a non-league game against Christian Brothers Academy Tuesday, Jan. 27, before returning to Suburban Council action Jan. 30 against Columbia.
