By Chuck Stewart, Jr.
Newburgh - The Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks took on the defending state Class AA champion Bishop Maginn in a non-league game at Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday.
Newburgh (5-1), pulled out to an early lead in the first quarter, 23-15. By halftime, Bishop Maginn (5-2) would take a small lead, 37-36.
Bishop Maginn held on to the lead for half of the third quarter before Newburgh Free Academy kicked into high gear. "We changed it up in the second half and they didn’t know what to do," said Newburgh coach Frank Dinnocenzio.
By the end of the third quarter, Newburgh was leading 53-48.
That momentum continued in the fourth quarter as Newburgh’s defense would only allow eight points. Offensively, Marcus Henderson drained a three-pointer two minutes into the quarter, electrifying the packed house. Michael McCleod put up five of his 17 points in the fourth to lead the Goldbacks to a 71-56 victory.
"The kids were wonderful tonight. They played great throughout the game and they made shots - that’s what its about," Newburgh coach Frank Dinnocenzio said.
Newburgh Free Academy principal Peter Copeletti was present at Saturday’s game, calling the victory a "holiday treat."
"It was a great night. We saw two excellent teams play hard in front of a big crowd and our coach did a great job with the kids," Copeletti said.
Damon Cousar contributed 17 points, Marcus Henderson added 10 for Newburgh. Taran Buie was the high scorer for Bishop Maginn with 23 points.
Newburgh Free Academy will return to action on Thursday, January 8th, as they take on Monroe Woodbury. Junior Varsity tips off at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity begins at 7:00 p.m. at NFA.
