DRYDEN — The No. 1 Dryden boys basketball team overcame early struggles with a third-quarter resurgence to defeat No. 5 Chenango Forks 55-40 Tuesday at Dryden High School in the Section IV Class B semifinals.
With the game tied at 17 at the break, Dryden outscored Chenango Forks 24-5 in the third. The Lions’ perimeter offense ignited, while the Blue Devils couldn’t establish any offensive rhythm.
“We were a little better in execution, and I think it was a better job on the boards,” Dryden head coach Zach LeViere said. “Offensively, we got rolling a little bit more and we made more shots, which gave them less fast break opportunities.”
After being held scoreless in the first half, Xander Scott exploded in the third quarter, scoring all eight of his points.
“I was getting fouled most of the game,” Scott said. “They had two hands on me, even brought another kid in to put two hands on me. Then it hit me after halftime; I started making clean shots and began kicking the ball out, because if there’s two people on me, someone’s got to be open.”
“Xander had zero points in the first half and is averaging about 18 to 19 points a game this year,” LeViere said. “For him to have zero in the first half — which I don’t know if he’s had zero in a half this year –– his attitude was great at halftime, he wants to go get them in the second half. So for him to be able to keep the positivity is a sign of really high character from him. To be able to have that toughness and positivity in a stressful moment, it’s a win or go home kind of game.”
Peter Nydam sparked the run with two early 3-pointers, piling up 10 points in the quarter alone. As Dryden found its rhythm, defensive adjustments became evident on both sides. Chenango Forks fought for offensive rebounds, but Dryden’s improved box-outs and timely steals allowed the Lions to turn second-chance opportunities into crucial points.
“We did a much better job at cleaning up the boards and it kinda kept up our defensive effort throughout,” LeViere said. “Offensively, we got rolling a little bit more and we made more shots, which gave them less fast-break opportunities.
The game got off to a sluggish start, as the Lions were unable to convert on open looks all around the floor. Chenango Forks opened the scoring with a 6-0 run, capitalizing on a barrage of offensive rebounds. Dryden’s offense responded with a 10-0 run to close out the first quarter with the lead.
Both teams traded baskets in the paint in the second. Dryden struggled with turnovers and couldn’t grab rebounds consistently, resulting in a deadlock at halftime with a 17-17 score.
“On the positive side, we had great defense,” LeViere said. “We held them to 17 points and played good defense, not giving up many easy looks. I think they had one 3-pointer in the first half, and it was banked in with a hand in the face. So we felt pretty good about our defense.”
Nydam finished with a game-high 19 points for Dryden, followed by Danny Murphy’s 13 and Scott’s 8. Scott also swatted 3 shots that energized the home crowd after a slow start offensively. Luke Eshelman chipped in six points, while Carmelo Miles added two points for the Lions.
“This means a lot to us,” Scott said. “We made it to the semifinals last year, and we finally made it this year.”
Dryden, ranked No. 7 in the state’s Class B poll, will face Waverly in the Section IV Class B finals at 3:15 p.m. Sunday at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.
“Our main focus is staying sharp with our skills and shots and making sure that we are ready for the physicality and speed of the next game,” LeViere said. “Really focusing on that the next couple of days and then be ready to play against Waverly on Sunday.”
