Monroe-Woodbury defeats Cornwall 59-47 in boys varsity basketball

CENTRAL VALLEY — The Monroe-Woodbury Boys Varsity Basketball Team played its first home game of the season on Monday, Dec. 11, against the Dragons of Cornwall.
The Crusaders took the court with a 1-1 record on the season having beaten Minisink Valley and dropping a controversial game to FDR in their opener.
In a show of support, the Crusaders 'student section was packed and added a level of intensity usually only seen during the playoffs.
The Crusaders responded by jumping out to a 16-7 first quarter lead with Brandon Adams scoring six points to get the team going.
In the second quarter, the Crusaders began to pull away. With Conor Coffey hitting two three-point shots, the Crusaders took a 34-22 lead into the half.
The Dragons, however, came out of the break and played strong defense and behind the scoring of Will Fredricks and Zack Swaby kept the game close throughout the second half.
But the second half belonged to the Crusaders' energetic guard, Rod Vacco. He continuously harassed the Dragons on defense and scored 15 of his game high 24 points in the half.
Every time the Dragons drew within five or six points, Vacco would drive to the hoop or knock down one of his three-pointers to keep them at bay.
The 59-47 victory brings the team's record to 2-1 on the season.
- William Dimmit