Boyd sparks Sabres' rally

Rotterdam

Schalmont boys' basketball coach Greg Loiacono smiled, and winced slightly, at the thought of Nick Boyd speaking following Tuesday night's game against Watervliet.

"We were just talking about that. He doesn't talk," Loiacono said.

Well, Boyd's play during the fourth quarter certainly spoke volumes on his behalf. The 6-foot-4 junior guard scored 11 of his 13 points over the final eight minutes, including a rare four-point play, to help rally the Sabres past the Cannoneers 65-63 in Colonial Council play.

The Sabres (11-3) collected their sixth straight victory and avenged a season-opening 63-51 setback against Watervliet.

"We're healthy now. The first time we played (Watervliet), we only had eight players," Loiacono said. "The kids were looking forward to this game. They came out hot and played really good defense. Our guys fought hard and battled back to win this one."

Watervliet (9-4), ranked No. 12 in the latest Class B state poll, led throughout the first three quarters. The Cannoneers made their first four shots of the game and shot 50 percent (18-for-36) through the opening 24 minutes, but a basket by senior center Jesse O'Dell cut the Watervliet lead to just 46-45 entering the fourth quarter.

After taking the lead for the first time at 49-48, Schalmont watched Watervliet sophomore reserve guard Najee McQueen bury a 3-pointer and finish a break with a dunk to put the Cannoneers ahead 53-49.

But on the Sabres' next possession, Boyd took a pass from beyond the 3-point line, hoisted up a shot and was fouled and the ball ripped through the nets.

The junior managed to complete the first four-point play of his career.

"I kept my follow-through as I saw the hit coming," Boyd said.

"That four-point play was huge for us," Loiacono said.

Boyd proceeded to make the next shots he took for a personal 9-0 run to help Schalmont take a 58-53 advantage.

The Cannoneers were hindered by some shaky possessions over the final two minutes, missing four shots and turning it over twice before J.J. Chestnut and Keon Croley each connected on 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds.

Through three quarters, the trio of Shane O'Dell, Jesse O'Dell and LJ Randle kept the Sabres close.

Down the stretch, Boyd's exploits proved to be the difference.

Shane O'Dell led Schalmont with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jesse O'Dell tallied 15 points and Randle contributed 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

"What I like about these guys is they don't get down on themselves if they don't have the lead," Loiacono said. "Once we got the lead, we did enough at both ends to keep it."

Watervliet senior standout Joey Atkins paced the Cannoneers with a game-high 25 points. Chestnut was the only other Watervliet player to reach double digits with 11 points. The visitors managed to block nine Schalmont shots, but also turned the ball over 16 times.

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