It’s been quite a season for the Mamaroneck Tigers, and with the team’s latest win—a 75-48 trouncing of Gorton on Jan. 27—the program is reaching some unprecedented heights. The victory over the Wolves was the Tigers’ 13th of the year, marking the first time Mamaroneck has eclipsed 12 regular season wins in over decade.
Against Gorton, the Tigers controlled the game from the outset, outscoring the visitors 21-5 in the first quarter. Jared Bader led the way for Mamaroneck, scoring a game-high 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Tommy Martin also proved a force on the offensive end, tallying 18 points.
For the Tigers, it was the kind of all-around performance that has been the team’s calling card this season, and a big reason that the squad’s 13-3 record has been the best since the program’s 14-win season in 2003-2004.
Although head coach Ty Carver had high hopes for the group coming into the regular season, he has been impressed with the team’s effort—and results—on a daily basis.
“I wasn’t sure we would play this well, to be honest; this core group of guys I knew we had talent, but they have struggled with consistency over the couple of years,” he said. “We knew we were capable, but we needed to be more consistent.”
The Tigers have shined, particularly, on the defensive end where the team’s commitment to team play has been readily apparent. Over the course of the team’s first 16 games, the Tigers are allowing just 44.5 points per game.
“We have a very unselfish squad here,” Carver said. “And it’s a delight to see that, we’ve been playing some good defense.”
The Tigers have also been able to overcome injuries en route to their 13 wins, and are currently playing without the services of center Will Sarkozi, who has missed the last five games but should return to action soon.
In Sarkozi’s absence, other players, including Thomas Plunkett (who had 10 points against Gorton), have picked up the slack.
“[Plunkett] has done a huge job filling those shoes, because prior to the injury, he wasn’t getting a whole lot of time,” Carver said. “But I think he’s gaining confidence, especially losing key guys and getting the chance to step up.”
The Tigers will look for win No. 14 when they travel to Mount Vernon on Jan. 31, after press time, for a showdown with the Class AA-leading Knights. Mount Vernon is currently 8-0 against Section I competition this year, and Carver feels that a strong showing against the perennial favorites could give his team momentum as the postseason looms.
“We’re going to have to play a complete basketball game for the full 32 minutes, we’re going to have to embrace the challenge.” Carver said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for [head coach Bob] Cimmino, and they have really set the bar for local basketball. We just have to play Mamaroneck basketball.”
