Boys Basketball: Subs help Blue Waves hold off Sachem North

BLUE WAVES 56, FLAMING ARROWS 46

Riverhead held off a fourth-quarter rally by Sachem North to register a 56-46 non-league boys basketball win at home on Friday night.

The Blue Waves (6-1) enjoyed as much as a 17-point lead behind a 36-19 advantage with 1 minute 28 seconds remaining in the third period before Sachem North (3-4) went on a 21-4 tear to pull to within 43-40. But two substitutes helped turn the momentum around. Freshman Malik Washington (4 points) hit a short shot and senior Quinn Funn (8 points) converted a steal into a basket to give Riverhead some breathing room at 47-40 with 2:12 remaining.

Senior guard Ryan Bitzer led the Blue Waves with 17 points and junior forward Brandon Tolliver collected 11 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts.

Senior forward Brendan Chetuck paced Sachem North with 14 points and senior guard Louis Feerari and junior guard Anthony Service chipped in with 10 points apiece.

The Blue Waves will play at Centereach on Thursday night.