ASTORIA, N.Y. – The Vaughn Warriors showcased why this could be a promising season for the men's basketball team defeating New School 94-65. The Warriors got off to a fast start and never looked back.
From the jump ball, the Warriors took control of the game dictating the pace. Freshmen guard Michael Pena (Dumont, NJ) had a team high for the Warriors with 24 points, registering 15 points in the first half. Pena was 3-8 behind the arch which helped keep New School's defense honest and spread the floor offensively for the Warriors. New School made a late first half push behind guard HJ Gaskins' (New School) 14 first half points. Gaskins finished with 25 points leading all scores in the game.
The Vaughn Warriors overpowered New School on the glass grabbing 11 offensive, and 14 defensive rebounds in the first half propelling them to a 20 point lead heading into the break (52-32).
The Warriors opened up the second half pressing New School up and down the court. The Warriors pressure defense frustrated New School as they turned the ball over seven times in the second half and accumulated 19 turnovers for the game. Strong defensive play allowed the Warriors to get out in transition and create easy scoring opportunities.
Senior guard Raymond Allman (Houston, TX) and freshmen guard Maleec Taylor (Rockville Centre, NY) had two steals a piece and dished out nine assists between them for the Vaughn Warriors.
Senior forward Jeffrey Noel (Brooklyn, NY) was second on the team in scoring for the Warriors with 19 points while freshman center Eric McDonald (Peekskill, NY) chipped in 15 points and had a game high eight rebounds.
Despite the point disparity, New School fought hard to the very end with extreme effort and energy. New School guard Dustin Sodono recorded 12 points three rebounds and had one steal in the contest. Center Dahi Divine contributed nine points and 5 rebounds for New School.
It was a great collective effort from the Vaughn Warriors as each Warrior participated in the action in the season opener's impressive victory.