By PAUL CIFONELLI
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — When Bishop Grimes scored 11 straight points to cut a Fairport lead to 29-28, senior Stefan Milinkovic knew his team needed to end the run and regain control of the game. The response by his team was enough to do just that and lead to a dominant second half that ended in a 72-50 win for the Red Raiders.
“I was just telling them we need to stay together, keep our heads up and keep giving multiple efforts,” Milinkovic said. “The game will take care of itself if we do what we know we can do.”
Fairport had a 29-17 lead during the second quarter that quickly evaporated. It was a big shot by senior Kevin Gibson that gave the Red Raiders a four-point lead at the break.
Kevin Gibson snakes through the defense for @FCSDSports right before the end of the first half. Fairport leads 39-35 at the break. @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/mlSkBu3SgY
— Paul Cifonelli (@PCifonelli) December 28, 2019
Fairport got a big first half from Milinkovic and senior Jack Lindstrom, who both scored nine points in the half.
The score opened up during a dominant second half for Fairport. Milinkovic helped the Red Raiders took a 13-point lead after three quarters with nine more points in that quarter alone.
The Cobras tried to make one final push for victory during that quarter, but senior Ryan Lucey had a layup to put that comeback attempt to rest. For Lucey, stopping an opponent’s run is something he likes to take into his own hands.
“Usually when a team gets a big basket, our method is usually just run it up their throats,” Lucey said. ” So I like to run it back up their throat and try to get a good look for my team.”
Ryan Lucey nails a three on the first possession of the first quarter. Jack Lindstrom hit one right after to give @FCSDSports a 22-12 lead. @PickinSplinters pic.twitter.com/rzUOnPJ5lZ
— Paul Cifonelli (@PCifonelli) December 28, 2019
A dominant defensive effort in the fourth allowed Fairport to open up the score even more, resulting in the 22-point victory.
With the victory, the Red Raiders came out of the More Than A Game Tournament with a 1-1 record. According to Fairport head coach Scott Fitch, the win over Bishop Grimes was huge for the squad.
“We’ll use it for momentum for sure,” Fitch said. “I feel like the last couple weeks before this break we started to play better. I thought we played pretty well against West Genesee overall. Then to get a W here to leave a good taste in our mouth and try to build on the momentum we’ve created is great.”
Fairport was led by Milinkovic, who scored 20 points, including three three pointers. Lindstrom, senior Maxwell Molisani and junior Jack McDonald all scored in double digits for the victors, with Lindstrom scoring 14, Molisani 11 and McDonald 10. Lucey was the only other Red Raider to make two field goals, netting six points. Senior Trevor Mulhern (3), junior Andrew Smith (3), junior Derek Howe (3) and Gibson (2) rounded out the scoring for Fairport.
Junior Jack Gutchess led Bishop Grimes with 15 points on the day. Senior Joe Wike and sophomore Sylvester Seton each had seven, while senior Byam Mugushu had six. Junior AJ Burnett (4), senior Ian Denton (4), junior Robert Gilbert and junior Devon Desiro-Cambers (3) all found the scorebook for the Cobras.
Fairport’s next game will be on Jan. 6 at Pittsford Mendon.
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