LIVINGSTON MANOR – It was a fierce competition on Tuesday night as the Eldred Yellowjackets (12-5) took a road trip to Livingston Manor to meet the (14-4)  Rockland Wolves. Eldred held the upper hand from long range, dropping five 3-pointers compared to Rockland’s two from deep. 

The second quarter saw the Yellowjackets make numerous turnovers due to Rockland’s swarming defense. But the Wolves, capitalizing on the Yellowjackets’ errors, outscored the visiting team 11-6 to come within three at the half.

 The outcome could have told a different story for the Wolves, but down the stretch, the home team missed several key shots that would have given them a definitive lead and potentially secured a win. 

“It was a hard-fought physical game. Their size gave us trouble. We played some tough defense, but in the end, we went cold from the floor and couldn’t knock down shots when we needed to,” said Charlie Hicks, head coach of the Rockland Wolves. “Hats off to Eldred, they played very well.” 

The score was even at 32 and both teams were ready to battle through the final eight minutes. Eldred found the hot hand in Evan Zgrodek, draining two 3’s in the final quarter to end the game with 11. 

Eldred center James Deyermond handled business down in the paint to lead all scorers with 18 points as Koen McGill rounded out Eldred’s win with 10. 

The Yellowjackets came out on top with a 45-42 win over Rockland, but it wasn’t easy. The Wolves maintained constant pressure on the ball on defense and utilized their speed to capitalize on drives to the basket. 

Ben Johnston led the home team with 17 points, followed by Tyler McRay with 12, and Kaleb Maldonado had 7. 

“That’s what we talked about,” said Eldred Head Coach Bill Furler, when asked about the number of turnovers in the second quarter.

“It’s always a battle with this team. They’re little, but man, they fight, and they’re quick!, Furler said. “This was a big win for us tonight. Especially without our star player, Trai Kaufmann, who is out with an ankle injury. Everyone really stepped up. We’re going to end up playing them [Rockland] again in the playoffs.” 

Coach Furler hopes to gain homecourt advantage for at least one playoff game after their next win.