[VIDEO] Mariners Win Opener Against Rebels

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – In a game that resembled rugby more than basketball at times, the Narragansett Mariners boys’ basketball team picked up a 41-37 win against South Kingstown on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

After a 7-0 Narragansett run to start the game, followed by an 8-0 South Kingstown run, the two teams stayed within seven points of one another the rest of the night.

Both struggled with their offensive rhythm throughout, contributing to the offensive malaise. The score was 16-16 at the half, with 21 fouls called. Another 21 could have been called, between all the bodies flying in the paint.

However, the Mariners emerged from the scrum in the second half, as senior Pat Doyle scored 12 of his 16 points in to lead Narragansett.

Doyle said he kept driving to the basket, despite not getting some foul calls in the first half.

“I came out a little too hyped,” he said. “A couple calls didn’t go my way … But I just kept going.”

The turning point came with 3:28 left in the second half. After a put-back by South Kingstown, Doyle dribbled the ball up the length of the court, pulled up for a 3 and sank it, giving Narragansett a 35-34 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

On the next Mariner possession, junior Zachary McKanna hit another 3-point shot, giving the Mariners a four-point cushion. South Kingstown hit a layup and a free throw, but couldn’t score against long and quick Narragansett wings.

With 10 seconds left, Narragansett senior Patrick Degnan hit a put-back in the lane for his fifth point. South Kingstown missed a desperation 3-point shot for the tie, and Mark Griffith got the board and hit a free throw to ice the game.

Narragansett head coach David Gee said he was happy with his team’s season opener.

“It’s always nice to get that first one under your belt,” he said. “I could tell both teams were a little tight out there.”

Gee said the defense was the key.

“I thought the second half, we played better defense,” he said. “I think our defense is going to carry us this year.”

Both Gee and Doyle mentioned rebounding as an area improvement was needed in. Although Matt and Jeff Pistacchio combined for a good game at the center spot, the Mariners are without junior Jarred Whalen, leaving freshman Eric D’Aguanno as the second big man off the bench.

South Kingstown head coach Jim Champion said his team still needed to get some practices and reps under their belt.

“It’s very early, and we need some more practices,” he said. “I was a little disappointed with them getting back on defense.”

Noting that the Mariners were “very aggressive, very physical,” Champion added that he was pleased with the play of center Chase Almond. According to team stats, Almond finished with 20 rebounds.