The Stony Brook School goes big on 'D' to top St. Anthony's

The Stony Brook School’s starting frontcourt stands tall at 6-9, 6-8 and 6-7. There’s an all-senior backcourt. There are a few impact reserves.

“We’ve got the size,” coach Ron White said. “We’ve got the ability. We need focus, and consistency on defense.”

The Bears fell in the PSAA final and exited in the NYSAIS Class B semifinals last season. They flashed their potential for this season on Sunday when that focus and defensive consistency kicked in.

They trailed by eight early in the second quarter against St. Anthony’s in the Gary Charles Hoop Classic at Chaminade. Then the Bears took off. By halftime, they were up by nine. They eventually led by 17 before winning 61-52 and evening their record at 4-4.

“We were moving the ball well,” White said. “We played good defense. We started taking defense a little more personal.”

They took their offense in a balanced form. Simon Ogwuche David, their 6-8 junior center, and Valteris Slanina scored 12 apiece and Orlando Morris had 11.

Kevin Moore stood out for defending state CHSAA Class A champ St. Anthony’s (6-4). The athletic 6-1 senior guard, who’s the lone returning starter, scored 18, including career point No. 1,000.

“It felt amazing,” Moore said. “ ... Scoring a thousand points definitely culminates all the memories of the last four years playing basketball for St. Anthony’s, the best program I’ve ever been a part of.”

Football is his future, though.

“Honestly, I’ve just been better at football since I was younger,” the future Delaware safety said. “It’s more fun to me.”

Moore arrived needing 11 for 1,000 and surpassed the milestone two minutes into the third on a hard drive, part of a three-point play.

“He deserves it,” coach Sal Lagano said. “He’s the hardest-working kid. … Very rarely do we get something so special. Sometimes you’ve just got to sit back and enjoy it.”

Moore dunked off an alley-oop, giving St. Anthony’s an 18-10 lead. Then the Bears went on a 23-6 run. Slanina’s fast-break layup made it 33-24 at the break.

“The guys just settled in,” White said.

Morris capped a 10-2 burst with a three, pushing the lead to 49-36 after three over the mostly young Friars.

“This helps them get into colleges,” Lagano said of the event. “This helps them get used to the college game, playing in a high environment.”

The Bears led 60-43 with three minutes left.

“We’re learning,” White said, “and we’re maturing.”