McGraw varsity boys basketball team defeats Mater Dei Academy for a successful senior night

McGraw varsity boys basketball seniors and their parents take a photo at senior night. (Photo provided by to Chris Tarantino/Cortland Voice).

It was a successful senior night for the Mcgraw varsity boys basketball team, as they defeated Mater Dei Academy 73-31

The McGraw Eagles got off to a great start. They outscored Mater Dei Academy 19-5 in the first quarter with senior Adam Nieves leading the charge, scoring three 3-pointers. Mater Dei Academy slowly began to close in at the beginning of the second quarter, but the Eagles were able to end the half with a 35-21 lead.  

“We came in flowing and ready to play tonight. It was fun,” said McGraw senior Devon Ackley. “The energy was definitely up in that first half,” added Nieves. “We played as a team all the way.”

In the second half, the Eagles kept Mater Dei Academy to 10 points to extend their lead. McGraw hit 11 three-pointers as a team last night. 

“It was exciting to see some seniors come out and shoot the ball well,” said McGraw Head Coach Derek Allen. “It’s probably the best shooting game we’ve had all year. We also played really good defense.” 

McGraw was led by Caleb Smith with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Xiao Lin scored 16 points and grabbed 12 boards, while Nieves recorded 16 points and five rebounds. 

“We have been lucky to have six seniors this year who are good leaders,” added Coach Allen. “They know what I expect as a coach, and they carry that to the rest of the team. It’s really exciting to have that senior leadership, and hopefully it takes us a long way into sectionals.” 

Up next the Eagles will be playing their last game of the regular season on the road against Newark Valley on Friday, February 14th at 7 pm. 

Here is a highlight video, postgame interviews, and a photo gallery of last night's game: