By PAUL GOTHAM
HILTON, N.Y. — Less than 30 seconds remained in Wednesday’s Monroe County matchup. Irondequoit’s Ryan Heath had converted on back-to-back steal and layup opportunities to cap a 7-0 run, and the Eagles led 59-58. It was Irondequoit’s first advantage of the second half since a 27-26 edge early in the third quarter.
The lead didn’t last long.
Hilton’s response came from the source that provided throughout Wednesday’s contest and frequently this season.
VIEW MORE DENNIS JOYCE PHOTOS HERE.
Preston Prince converted a traditional 3-point play as Hilton went on to beat Irondequoit, 63-59.
“It’s a big win for us,” the senior guard/forward said. “Irondequoit was 10-3 going into this game. They’re a really good team. They’ve beaten some really good teams.”
A point guard on the Hilton team a year ago, Prince took the ensuing inbound after Heath’s second straight bucket, went the length of the floor and finished in the lane.
The win was third straight for Hilton (10-6) and eighth in the past nine games.
“We wanted to use our size advantage,” the 6-foot-4 Prince said referring to teammates Carter Clark (6-foot-5) and Greyson Trubia (6-foot-6). “We were up for most of the fourth quarter. We were trying to get the ball inside and get it to our big guys.”
Prince led all scorers with 35 points. He connected 14 times from the floor and converted 7-of-10 from the free throw line to go with 10 rebounds. It was the second straight game in which he scored 30-plus points and fifth overall this season.
Preston Prince grabs the defensive carom and gets to the bucket at the opposite end. @Hiltonhoops 33-29 pic.twitter.com/Sf9hw5fbZA
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) February 3, 2022
Clark and Trubia scored four apiece. Trubia blocked 10 shots.
“With having Carter back and working in practice we’re figuring it out,” Prince said of his teammate who started on the sidelines with an injury from football.season. “A lot of it just in practice and playing hard.”
Prince from Clark. pic.twitter.com/QRrXden4OQ
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) February 3, 2022
Tied at half, Hilton closed the third quarter on 13-7 run and took a seven-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Prince started the run with a pair of free throws and finished it with an and-one. In between, Michael Whelehan and Derek Cavey connected on 3-pointers. Hilton had a 46-39 lead heading to the fourth.
The Cadets led 58-52 with less than 90 seconds remaining in the game when Irondequoit rallied. Charles Barnes sparked the comeback with a three-point play.
Ryan Heath steal and layup gives @ITownHoops a 59-58 lead. pic.twitter.com/i2ou8LafRV
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) February 3, 2022
“They’re obviously a good team,” Prince said. “Coach Cardon is a really good coach.”
Whelehan scored 11. Cavey added eight, and Ben Cronk hit one free throw.
Hilton travels to Victor for a 7:15 PM start on Friday.
Heath led Irondequoit (10-4) with 26 points. Damon Brumfield had 15, and Barnes scored nine points. Xavier Gissendanner (4), Evan Leonardo (3) and Aiden Greco (2) also scored for the Eagles.
Irondequoit hosts Brighton for a 7:30 PM start on Friday.
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