With this week’s convincing 87-60 win over East Hampton, the Half Hollow Hills West varsity basketball team has opened the season undefeated and firing on all cylinders. The Colts have burst out of the gate red hot, sitting atop their division and standing as one of just six teams in Suffolk County to remain unbeaten thus far this season. Their fast start has been fueled by a balanced attack, strong defense, and impressive depth across the roster.
Leading the way offensively against East Hampton was Jack Vafeas, who poured in a game-high 23 points to pace the Colts. Kamari Vernot delivered an outstanding all-around performance, recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while also swatting away five shots on the defensive end. Vernot’s presence in the paint set the tone on both sides of the ball and helped Hills West control the tempo throughout the contest.
Vince Corso was close behind in the scoring column, finishing with 19 points, while Ethan Saintjean added 11 points of his own. Saintjean’s all-around effort was especially notable, as he also pulled down eight rebounds and dished out seven assists, showcasing his versatility and court vision. Anderson McMorris rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, capping a night where five different players reached double figures.
In total, eight players scored at least two points, highlighting the team’s depth and unselfish style of play. This marked the second time this season that the Colts have eclipsed the 80-point mark offensively, and they have also scored 77 points in another contest, underscoring their explosive potential.
Half Hollow Hills West will look to keep its unbeaten run intact when it takes on John Jay later this week.