Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The Massena Red Raiders took a narrow double-overtime victory over the Franklin Academy Huskies in their final regular season home game on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The final score was 83 – 76.

Before tipping off, the Raiders recognized their graduating seniors.

Rhoades Tarbell has been on the basketball court since elementary school. The son of Brandon and Tara Tarbell, he wants to get a college degree in business administration. He said his favorite pro basketball player is Allen Iverson. He will be hitting the field in the spring as part of the Raider lacrosse contingent.

Rory Corcoran, a seven-year basketball veteran says he wants to attend college at either Clarkson or LeMoyne University. His parents are John and Tina Corcoran. He also plays football and baseball and says his favorite basketball star is Kobe Bryant.

Xavier Viskovich has been involved with Massena basketball since his early years, when he participated in the Biddy Basketball and Massena Traveling Team programs. His parents are Mike Viskovich and Shanner and Rowena Lett. He has a sister Octavia. His brothers Dante and Zevon are his teammates. He also plays football and is considering attending SUNY Canton. His favorite basketball team is the Syracuse Orangemen and his favorite player is C.J. Fair.

Tyler Haas is the son of Wayne and Julie Haas. He also has played since his days in the Biddy and Traveling Team programs. He also plays baseball and plans on enlisting with the U.S. Marine Corps. His favorite team is the Oklahoma City Thunder and player Kobe Bryant.

Also recognized were senior cheerleaders Crystal Nevin, Jeanette Rochefort and Brittany VanTassle.

The game opened with Massena taking an early lead, but the Huskies took control in the middle of the contest. The end of the game was neck-and-neck, until Massena managed to pull away in the second overtime.

The first quarter ended with Massena ahead 19 – 9, but the Huskies came back to lead 28 – 27 at the half and 49 – 42 after the third stanza. Massena outscored their opponents 14 – 12 in the fourth quarter and the teams each tossed 13 points in the first overtime. They regained domination in the final sudden death, outscoring 9 – 2.

Rhoades Tarbell poses with his family before the start of the game on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Xavier Viskovich and Rhoades Tarbell led the way for the Red Raiders, each ending the game with a double-double. Viskovich tossed 23 points and grabbed 17 boards, also blocking one shot. Tarbell garnered 14 points and 12 rebounds. He also stole the ball once. Zevon Viskovich shot for 21 points, adding five assists and a steal. Tyler Haas contributed 13 points, five caroms and two helpers. Dante Viskovich pitched in five points, four boards and an assist. Logan Deshane tallied five points, three rebounds and a steal. Bailey Labarge finished with two each in points, rebounds and assists. Rory Corcoran had two rebounds and an assist.

Alex Johnson paced the Huskies with 24 points. Kody Mulverhill tossed 19 points and Austin Lamay 13. Zach Raymond and Jordan Yando each pitched in five points, Cameron Gallagher added four. Chris Poupore, Isai Paredones and Taylor LaPage scored two points each.

Massena outshot Malone in two-point field goals, making 29 of 44 attempts compared to 22 of 44 attempts. Malone ran the three-point line, completing seven of 27 tries compared to Massena's three for 15. Free throws went to Massena – 16 of 22 attempts made versus Malone's 11 of 24. Total field goal percentages were Massena 72 percent and Malone 45 percent. The Massena boys will face the Franklin Academy Huskies at SUNY Canton in an NAC Class A playoff bout on Monday, Feb. 17 at 7:45 p.m.