Sixsmith brothers help lift Holy Trinity into Federation Class A title game
Holy Trinity's Jack Sixsmith is defended by Washington Heights' Judah Woney during the boys Class A Federation semifinal in Albany on Friday, March 21, 2014. Credit: Hans Pennink
Even though Jack Sixsmith has long-range shooting ability, he often isn't quick to pull the trigger. Holy Trinity's 5-11 junior point guard is actually a little gun-shy.
"Usually, I have to beg him to shoot. He's such a great playmaker," Titans coach Joe Conefry said.
But circumstances dictated that Sixsmith -- and his twin brother Billy, a super-sub -- start firing Friday. Between them, they sank three consecutive NBA-length three-pointers in Holy Trinity's 28-point fourth quarter, turning a two-point deficit into a six-point lead and launching the Titans to a 71-65 victory over Washington Heights in a Federation Class A semifinal.
Billy Sixsmith started the trifecta derby from deep on the left wing to give Holy Trinity (25-4) a 50-49 lead it never relinquished. On the Titans' next possession, Jack Sixsmith (14 points) hit an even longer three from the right wing. After a Washington Heights free throw, Jack drained a straightaway trey for a 56-50 lead with 4:21 left.
"Jack definitely stepped in and hit a couple of deep ones when we needed it most," Conefry said.
As for Billy, who drained one trey in each half, Conefry said, "He's definitely not afraid to shoot. That was a huge shot."
Jack had three assists and handled the Washington Heights pressure. "I'd rather penetrate and look for other guys," he said. "But I knew we needed baskets and they were laying off me, so I shot it. After the first one went in, it gave me the confidence to do it again."
Down the stretch, Jimmy Golaszewski made sure Washington Heights (29-4) would not rally. The 6-2 swingman scored seven of his 15 points in the final 3:38 and finished with 10 rebounds.
It was a typically balanced effort by Holy Trinity: Peter Alkins had 14 points and eight rebounds and Brandon Thomson added 13 points.
The Titans will play for the Federation Class A title Saturday night against Friday night's Scotia-Glenville/Albany Academy winner.
"He always makes the big shots and he finishes so well," Conefry said of Golaszewski, who scored two key baskets late on quick cuts off inbounds plays.
"Those were set plays. I try to attack the basket," Golaszewski said. "But when I start missing my shots, I have confidence in my teammates. We're all shooters and we're all perimeter players. If they close out on our shooters, I can get to the basket."
Holy Trinity played a nice inside-outside game, hitting eight three-pointers to go along with a handful of layups and short jumpers. The Titans also sank 19 of 22 free throws. That offset the height advantage of Drexel-bound 6-7 center Tyshawn Myles (12 points, 10 rebounds).
Washington Heights, which rallied to take a 47-41 lead late in the third quarter, was led by Emile Lewis' 31 points.
But the fourth quarter was all Trinity, sparked by twins who should be named Threesmith.
Said Jack Sixsmith, "We just shoot it from anywhere."
