Bonac basketball’s last game of the regular season was a thrilling disappointment, a 55-52 loss to Harborfields that East Hampton could — and probably should — have won. The Tornadoes’ victory sent them to the postseason, where the two teams could well meet again. If the Bonackers want to advance in the playoffs, they’re going to need to work on their rebounding and energy level — both of which cost them the game, especially in the second half.
“We still have more work to do,” said Dave Conlon, East Hampton’s head coach. “We had a setback in the middle of the league season when we lost Miles Menu, and I think a lot of people counted us out, but guys like Toby, Mason, and the rest of the guys behind me said, ‘No, we’re going to find a way,’ which meant taking on more responsibility as a rebounder, and as a defender, and they all did it.”
The highlight of the Friday night matchup was the fond farewell to the team’s eight seniors — Aaron Brito, Toby Foster, Mason Jefferson, Trevor Meehan, Dylan Pitts, Irakli Shiolashvili, Jack Mooney, and Sam Vargas — who likely played their last game on home court. Given Bonac’s 10-10 overall record, 9-9 in the league, they’re not expected to host any playoff games at home. A pre-game tribute to each of the boys gave the entire East Hampton High School community a chance to say thank you.
“The common theme with a lot of these guys is they’re just wonderful guys, very coachable, a pleasure to have on the team,” Conlon said. He then went on to praise each player individually.
“Irakli has catapulted our team in more ways than one, defensively and offensively. He was in Europe for a few years and came back, and we’re so glad that he did.”
“Jack’s a two-year varsity player from Montauk. He’s a wonderful kid with a great attitude. He’s a real team player.”
“Dylan is a real player. Doesn’t matter what time of year, if we’ve got a summer league game or are playing pickup, Dylan is always willing and able and is one of the best shooters I’ve seen in East Hampton since I’ve been here.”
“Aaron is one of these multifaceted athletes. We’re really fortunate to have him playing varsity two straight years. He’s a real pit bull defensively. He’s a really aggressive, defensive-minded kid. He never complains, very coachable, and a wonderful teammate.”
“Sam is another one who has been a two-year varsity player, another multisport athlete, great volleyball player, by the way. He always comes in with a good attitude. He never complains and he just wants to get in and play.”
“Mason is a two-year starter on varsity. He’s a really committed basketball player. It’s always been a priority for him. He’s a great athlete, a great player. Great passer, great scorer, quiet leader.”
“Toby has been a big part of the East Hampton basketball program for the past few years. A few games back he hit a thousand points. There aren’t a lot of players in East Hampton history who have reached that. Toby is a really big reason why we’re a playoff team this season. He’s a super-hard worker and a very big part of this program.”
Trevor Meehan was the only senior unable to attend. He’s a talented left-handed pitcher on the Bonac baseball team, and this was Meehan’s first year on varsity basketball, where he showed terrific heart and hustle and certainly played a role in getting the team into the playoffs.
Postseason play starts this weekend.
