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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- New Rochelle's magical late-season run toward a possible Class AA state boys basketball title continues Saturday in upstate Glens Falls in the state semifinal.
The Huguenots (15-9) were 8-9 before winning seven straight games, including two thrilling victories in the final seconds against rival Mount Vernon and highly-ranked Kingston, to reach the state Final Four.
Will the magic continue against Northport (22-2) in Saturday's 12:30 p.m. tipoff at the Glens Falls Civic Center?
First-year coach Rasaun Young and his assistant and brother Rasheim both played for New Rochelle and are enjoying a special season.
New Rochelle depends on big-play Joe Clarke, a football tight end who has been the key player in the playoff run. Clarke is joined by seniors Derek Dorn and football quarterback Khalil Edney, who hit a 55-foot shot to win the Mount Vernon game.
The video of Edney's shot has generated more than a million YouTube hits.
Northport boasts a 6-9 center Luke Petrasek, who averages 18 points and 11 rebounds, and a 6-5 forward, so New Rochelle is at a disadvantage inside.
New Rochelle is quicker, more athletic, and plays tough pressing defense that could trouble Northports bigger players.
The winner will face either Troy (20-3) or Bishop Kearney (15-7) in the state championship game at 3:15 Sunday.
New Rochelle's run may end in either of the next two games to teams that have superior size, but this has been a season filled with upsets for the Huguenots.
Don't be surprised if the magic continues.
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