Bryn Jansson and Annalyn Loiacono lift Smithtown Christian to victory in a state Class D Regional semifinal

Bryn Jansson can often tell after the first few shots of each game how the night is going to go. Jansson and the entire Smithtown Christian girls basketball team quickly realized Tuesday was going to be a good one.

The Smithtown Christian senior knocked down three three-pointers in the first quarter and five in the first half en route to a 51-34 victory over Eldred in the state Class D Southeast Regional girls basketball semifinals at St. Joseph’s (LI) on Tuesday night. Jansson finished with 18 points, knocking down six three-pointers.

“My teammates were able to find me and my shot was just on today, I guess,” Jansson said. “After the first one, I’m always ready to keep shooting and I’m more confident.”

"She makes every shot, she made like every shot tonight,” freshman guard Annalyn Loiacono added. “Without her, it’s a whole different game. She’s a knock-down shooter and she really helped us win this game.”

Smithtown Christian (6-13) advances to play Cherry Valley-Springfield in the state Class D Southeast Regional Final at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Farmingdale State. Loiacono led all scorers with 25 points

Jansson and Loiacono scored 15 points each in the first half to combine for all 30 of Smithtown Christian’s points before halftime. Smithtown Christian had a dominant first half to take a 30-13 lead into the break. Loiacono made two three-pointers in the first half..

“It was big to hit some deep threes, move the ball and hit our threes to give us a little bit of room,” said coach Joe Loiacono, who is also Annalyn’s father. “We knew they were going to go on a run, so we needed a little bit of space between us.”

The elder Loiacono was correct as Eldred outscored Smithtown Christian 17-8 in the third quarter, including closing the final minute of the period on a 6-0 run to cut Smithtown Chritian's lead to 38-30 entering the fourth. But Smithtown Christian closed the final 3:19 of the contest on an 11-2 run to secure the victory. Eldred finished its season at 6-13.

“We just had more energy and wanted it more than the other team,” Jansson said. “We always go in with the mindset of wanting it more than them and I think every single person on the team played their heart out.”

Smithtown Christian is one of only two Class D schools in Suffolk, so the vast majority of its schedule comes against larger schools. Although the Knights didn’t often have the results they wanted, they believe playing against the larger schools helps them in the state tournament.

“We had a lot of tough losses this season, games that we lost by two points or double overtime, but it really helps us to close out games,” Loiacono said. “It was a very challenging season, but it’s definitely going to pay off in the playoffs.”

Smithtown Christian advances to the state Class D Southeast Regional final for the third straight season. The Knights’ season ended at that round in each of the last two seasons, but they hope for better results in Farmingdale.

“It’s been a motivation for sure,” Joe Loiacono said. “This will be our third shot at it. We know Section IV is tough, they have some good teams so this will be another shot to get to the final four.”

“I’m excited because obviously, we’ve had a lot of tough losses this year so facing schools our size is fun,” Jansson said. “I definitely feel we can go far.”