Floyd dominates on offense and defense in 70-49 road win over Brentwood

You might have expected a letdown from William Floyd, when the Colonials traveled to Brentwood on Thursday for a game against their League 1 rival.

Two days before, the Colonials beat Longwood in an emotional game that honored the memory of beloved Floyd assistant coach Darrell Sumpter, who died in a car crash on Dec. 13.

The Colonials could have come out flat against Brentwood.

Instead, they played one of their best games of the season, opening up a 20-point lead in the first half and never looking back while holding Brentwood to fewer than 50 points in a 70-49 win.

Floyd senior forward Jawuan Smith led all scorers with 18 points, including 10 in the first quarter. Junior guard JJ Smith scored 15 points and junior guard Sharod Sutton added 10 for the first-place Colonials who remain undefeated in League 1 (6-1 overall.)

“It’s tough to play games after an emotional game,” Floyd head coach Will Slinkosky said. “For them to come in today and do their job and execute and really put their best foot forward defensively, I’m really proud of them.”

The Colonials were up by 22 points at halftime, 45-23 and didn’t let up in the second half.

“We always preach that when you step on the floor, you’ve got to play the game the right way,” Slinkosky said. “That’s what we’re going to continue to preach. That’s what Coach D [assistant coach Darrell Sumpter] would preach. Play the game the right way. I don’t care if you’re up 20, or down 20, up 50 or down 50. Play the game the right way.”

The Colonials, who won their fourth consecutive game, have a tough schedule coming up.

They will play in the New York Holiday Invitational tournament at St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay on Dec. 28 and 29. They then face undefeated Half Hollow Hills East on Jan. 4 and Baldwin on Jan. 5.

Avoiding a letdown against Brentwood helps the Colonials be ready for the tough games ahead, Slinkosky said.

“We’re hoping our schedule the beginning of the year is preparing us,” he said. “Three games in a week, an emotional game, coming back against a good Brentwood team.”