| Bard Ends Mount St. Mary's Win Streak February 20, 2008 |
| NEWBURGH, NY Since the 1991-92 season, Bard and Mount St. Mary's had played 11 times. Mount St. Mary's had won all 11 by an average of 46.2 points, 5 times winning by more than 50 points. Consider that ancient history. Two late free throws from senior Raymond Arocho capped a strong performance team-wide, while Justin White's 27 points, 8 assists, and irrepresible ability to get to the basket proved too much for the Knights, 103-100 before a crowd already used to disappointment by virtue of living in Newburgh, NY. Seniors Arocho added 22 and 12 rebounds, while Demitrius Washington scored 19 in the victory. But the game provided Raptor fans with plenty of reason to be excited about Bard's future as well. It was clear, even to the slow-witted Mt. St. Mary's students, that Justin White was the best player on the court at all times. A sophomore campaign that saw him lead the Skyline Conference in assists while scoring 17.1 points per game does not seem like a high-water mark: more like a prelude, essentially the opposite of the downhill trend Mt. St. Mary's students will experience in their onrushing lives of disappointment and failure. Christian Marghella added 17 points and 4 assists in the win, playing under control throughout, and forcing a huge turnover in the overtime period, with Bard trailing 96-94 and badly needing a defensive stop. His growth throughout the season has been remarkable, and those trying to keep up with Marghella next season will find themselves lonelier than a Mt. St. Mary's student at a job fair. Don't forget "Arkansas Pride" David Polett, a devastating shooter, the lightning-quick James Martin, and center Eli Strauss, who is well on his way to becoming a force in the middle.. Bard's strong senior class will be missed. But the future is bright in Annandale-on-Hudson. |
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| Top: Justin White will be the Skyline Conference Player of the Year next season. Above: Without basketball supremacy, Mount St. Mary's will rely on the intellectual and creative achievements of their students, pictured here. |