Joel Mather's basket keeps Pierson from squandering big lead
#14 Casey Finelli and Max Vogel of Pierson go start the celebration at mid court as time expires in the Suffolk Class C championship against Southold on Sunday March 1, 2026 in Patchogue. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
With the score tied, 23.9 seconds left on the clock and the county championship hanging in the balance, Joel Mather called an isolation play.
He used a crossover dribble to create separation and pulled up for a midrange jumper. All he heard was the ball going through the bottom of the net.
Mather’s go-ahead basket led top-seeded Pierson to a 62-59 victory over No. 2 Southold in the Suffolk Class C county championship game Sunday at St. Joseph’s in Patchogue.
“I wanted to play more than anything,” said Mather, who scored 15 points. “It’s my legacy. I wanted to show up for my team, and I knew I had to play my heart out.”
“He’s not afraid of the moment,” coach Daniel White said. “Hats off to Joel; he came through for us.”
Mather suffered an ankle injury during a practice, so being able to show up for his team made the win even better.
“I’m running on three Advil. I’m taped up, wearing double socks,” he said. “But I knew I had to push through it. I’ve been training for this my whole life, so winning this one feels great.”
Pierson will face a representative from Section I in the regional final at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Longwood.
After Southold guard CJ Bailey knocked down a corner three-pointer to tie the score at 59 and Mather put Pierson ahead, Nate Culver made a free throw to seal the victory.
“I missed the first one because I was rushing it,” Culver said. “I collected myself, took a deep breath and didn’t let the moment overtake me.’’
Culver and Casey Finelli both scored 11 points for Pierson.
The Whalers (16-5) brought an 18-point lead into the second half, but a rejuvenated Southold team went on a 19-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters to cut Pierson’s lead to 51-47.
However, timely plays kept the Whalers alive.
“Coach emphasizes the little plays, getting on the ground, diving for loose balls,” said Jack Kamimura, who had 10 points. “We’re a smaller team, so we have to do the extra things to keep us in games.”
Travis Sepenoski had 20 points and Kyan Olsen scored 16 for the First Settlers (13-8).
Said Southold coach Will Fujita, “I love this team. I mean, how could you not? We started slow, but we dug ourselves out of the hole. I tip my cap to Pierson, but I’m proud of my team.”
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
