The Peekskill Red Devils punched their ticket to the first-round of the postseason in convincing fashion on Feb. 19, rolling past No.19 Riverside 81-57, in front of a lively home crowd.
From the opening tip, Peekskill controlled the tempo with aggressive defense and unselfish ball movement. The Red Devils consistently turned rebounds into transition opportunities and capitalized on open perimeter looks when Riverside collapsed into the paint. Their balanced attack and second-chance points steadily built separation as the game wore on.
Darius Smythe led the charge with a team-high 27 points, attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots and converting at the free-throw line. Titus Matthias added 18 points, including key threes and strong work on the glass, while Jahmir Williams chipped in 16 points with an efficient inside presence. AJ Jenkins and Joseph Walker also contributed timely baskets as Peekskill showcased one of its most well-rounded offensive efforts of the year.
Riverside found success at times in transition and from beyond the arc, with Joseph Lopez-Mendy and Gabe Kargbo providing sparks, but the Rams were unable to string together enough stops to threaten the Red Devils’ growing lead. Despite conceding late baskets, Peekskill closed out the 81-57 victory.
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Smythe dribbles down the court.
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AJ Jenkins defends a Riverside player.
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Titus Matthias leaps for a layup.
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Smythe locks eyes with the net during a free throw.
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Jah Williams leaps for a lay up.
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Smythe passes the ball as Riverside players close in.
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Joseph Walker searches for a teammate during an inbounds pass.
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Peekskill home crowd celebrates a basket.
“We had a good performance today but there [are] still things we need to work on and correct,” Smythe told the Peekskill Herald.
With the win, No. 14 Peekskill (7-12) advances to face No. 3 Clarkstown North Rams on the road in New City in the opening round of the Class AA tournament on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m.
Clarkstown North enters the matchup at 17-3 despite a 69-49 regular-season finale loss to Rye. The Rams are considered strong contenders to make a deep postseason run. Peekskill will have its hands full with Kyle Kirkland, who averages 13 points per game, and Rotimi Esiso, a dominant presence on the glass at 11.2 rebounds per contest.
“Going into Clarkstown North, I hope as a team we have a well-rounded game, play defense, limit our turnovers and execute what Coach Searight needs us to,” Smythe said.
If the Red Devils bring the same intensity and execution they displayed against Riverside, they may yet prove capable of challenging one of the section’s heavyweights.
Saturday’s first-round sectional matchup will be livestreamed by NBC SportsEngine. Click here to watch the livestream when it begins.
