Natale's late 3-pointer seals regional final win for Amsterdam boys' basketball

Rocco Natale Jr. hit a clutch 3-pointer to seal Amsterdam's win over Nottingham in a NYSPHSAA Class AA boys' basketball regional final.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:53am

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Rocco Natale Jr. hit a clutch 3-pointer in the final minute to lead Amsterdam to a 61-55 victory over Nottingham in the NYSPHSAA Class AA boys' basketball regional final on Saturday. Natale finished with a game-high 24 points, while CJ Miller added 20 points for the Rams. Amsterdam held off a late Nottingham comeback to secure the win and advance to the state semifinals.

Why it matters

Amsterdam's victory in the regional final marks the team's first trip to the state semifinals in 31 years, a significant milestone for the program and the local community. The game featured high drama, with Natale's late 3-pointer proving to be the decisive play that allowed Amsterdam to hold off Nottingham's comeback attempt.

The details

In a back-and-forth battle, Amsterdam took a 33-28 lead into halftime. However, after Amsterdam senior guard Aundray Fowler picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter, Nottingham took advantage and went on a 9-3 run to take a 37-36 lead. That's when Amsterdam senior forward Pegasus Santana scored five straight points, including a 3-point play, to jumpstart an 11-0 run for the Rams. Nottingham made a late push, scoring 11 straight points to pull within one, but Natale's clutch 3-pointer in the final minute sealed the win for Amsterdam.

  • Natale hit the game-sealing 3-pointer with less than 40 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
  • Fowler picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter, allowing Nottingham to take the lead.

The players

Rocco Natale Jr.

A junior guard for Amsterdam who scored a game-high 24 points, including the clutch 3-pointer in the final minute to seal the win.

CJ Miller

A 6-foot-7 senior forward for Amsterdam who scored 20 points to complement Natale's performance.

Pegasus Santana

A senior forward for Amsterdam who scored five straight points to jumpstart an 11-0 run for the Rams in the second half.

Aundray Fowler

A senior guard for Amsterdam who picked up his fourth foul late in the third quarter, allowing Nottingham to take the lead.

Tim Jones

The head coach of the Amsterdam boys' basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I've been dreaming of that shot since I started playing basketball. It's all I ever really talk about. It feels great, but I don't really know how to explain it. It feels amazing.”

— Rocco Natale Jr.

“I don't think there's words. He works tirelessly, is constantly in the gym putting in a lot of unseen hours. For him to have a moment like that on a stage like this, it's pretty incredible.”

— Tim Jones, Amsterdam head coach

“We just had to get the momentum, keep pushing and keep playing hard. Aundray's one of our best players, so having him out is rough, but we know we have to stay strong.”

— Pegasus Santana, Amsterdam senior forward

“He's built on toughness and he stepped up there, with an understanding of what he had to do. I think he cherishes that role, and it was great to see him showcase that.”

— Tim Jones, Amsterdam head coach

“Especially with how demanding their press was, it really was a challenge. We had to weather the storm and make timely shots, which is what we did.”

— Tim Jones, Amsterdam head coach

What’s next

Amsterdam (22-2 overall) will face Section 1's Rye (21-2) in the NYSPHSAA Class AA semifinals on Friday at 11:45 a.m. at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

The takeaway

Natale's clutch 3-pointer in the final minute showcased the resilience and determination of the Amsterdam boys' basketball team, which is making its first trip to the state semifinals in 31 years. The Rams' ability to withstand Nottingham's late comeback attempt and make timely plays highlights the team's toughness and teamwork, qualities that have propelled them this far in the postseason.