LAKE HUNTINGTON – “All things must pass,” was the title of former Beatle George Harrison’ album in his first solo effort following the iconic band’s breakup in 1970. Harrison was a very spiritual person who understood the realities of life’s cycle of birth and death. For in truth, all things have their beginning and end including seasons in sports. 

For the Sullivan West Bulldogs, valiantly trying to extend their hoops life into the postseason, that opportunity presented itself in a pair of league games this past week in which they needed to beat either Tri-Valley or S.S. Seward to marshal a .500 league record and gain a ticket to the sectional big dance. 

A harrowing 47-36 defeat in Grahamsville put all hopes on the Bulldogs potential win in their last home game in Lake Huntington against the 13-6 (2-1) Seward Spartans. 

Seward coach Bill Steele knew his team was in for a battle against the physical stingy defense of the Westies. He also knew that free throws might be the deciding factor. 

Seward bested Sullivan West 50-39 earlier in the season, but this fray was much closer. In two of the four quarters, Sullivan West and Seward each scored eight points. They were tied at eight each after the first quarter but Seward outscored Sullivan West 12-7 in the second frame to take a 20-15 lead into the break. 

Shortly before, the Spartans had held a 19-9 lead, but a Seward technical foul preceded a 5-1 Westie run to close out the half. 

Things heated up in the second half with free throws by Andrew Hubert, a bucket by Jacob Hubert and a thrilling trey by Jaymes Buddenhagen that cut the deficit to one. Sadly though, that momentum didn’t continue as the Spartans went on a 10-0 run with about six minutes remaining in the game. 

Seward’s Josh Medina’s eight-point fourth quarter contribution turned out to be key in the Spartans’ 45-40 victory. Jacob Hubert’s half-court trey at the buzzer was indicative of the no-quit, all-out effort put forth by Sullivan West. Indeed, it was arguably their best effort all season. 

The Hubert brothers each posted 14 points. The Dawgs were 12-for 19 from the stripe (63%). Ryan Swinca had 14 points; Medina had 11. Seward was nine-for-18 (50%) from the free throw line. 

The win afforded Seward the division title and the number one-seed in the upcoming sectionals. They will host the first game, most likely against Tri-Valley. The two teams split their regular season encounters. It was the only league loss for Seward, which finished the regular season at 14-6 (3-1). Sullivan West finished at 7-12 (1-3). 

Seward coach Bill Steele anticipated the role free throws would play and made sure to have his most accurate guys from the stripe on the floor. Asked about what went well for his team, Steele replied, “Not a heck of a lot. They played a very physical game, a very good game. Defensively, I knew they were solid, and we have trouble with that.” 

Sullivan West coach John Meyer noted, “Tonight we really played well. We just couldn’t seal the deal. Sometimes we don’t take advantage of the opportunities we’re afforded.” Kudos to Coach Meyer and his iconic assistant Jerry Davitt for their mentorship and great props to the gritty effort of the Sullivan West squad. 

As George Harrison noted, “All things must pass,” and so the basketball season fades into the twilight just a few days before the baseball team takes to the open gym to begin their spring campaign. Life goes on.