Bob Gregory knew all about Wings Academy’s first two games – both blowouts by 121 points and 46 points, respectively. The Bronx Science coach, who felt like his Wings counterpart Juan Gonzalez ran up the score in each, had a discussion with the referees before the game.
Wings did end up beating Bronx Science in a PSAL Bronx A girls basketball game Thursday at Science, but it was a 64-38 result – not completely lopsided. Wings started off the season defeating Jane Addams, 132-11, in a game it led 77-7 at halftime and followed that up with a 95-49 pasting of South Bronx on Tuesday.
Gregory, though, was still not pleased Gonzalez kept his starters in late when Science’s backups took the court. The two coaches had a verbal exchange afterward, with Gregory also claiming Gonzalez yelled at Bronx Science senior Taylor Murtaugh during the game.
Gonzalez denied yelling at Murtaugh, and as far as keeping his starters in the game late, Wings (3-0 Bronx A) was only ahead, 39-30, when Murtaugh made a layup with 7:41 left in the fourth quarter. The coach said he had no intention of running up the score against Addams and South Bronx, though he admitted being contacted by the PSAL about it.
South Bronx coach Bill Mann told a different story. He said Wings pressed until midway through the fourth quarter and that Gonzalez’ starters were in until there were two minutes left in the game.
Aquillin Hayes, a sophomore transfer from Norman Thomas, had 21 points, Riana Ward (no relation) had 14 points, Latasia Ward had 12 points and Monique Samuel added eight for Wings. Murtaugh led Bronx Science (2-1) with 14 points and seven rebounds and Christine Pavia had 11 points.
Wings used a 10-1 run in the fourth quarter to turn that 39-30 lead into a 49-31 bulge after Samuel scored inside. The Wings also had a 13-0 run capped by a Rykema Stone bucket with 1:13 left.
