Sound familiar, Greenport fans?

"Ryan is a natural," Chadbourne said. "Ryan has great instincts. Sometimes I pick kids and I look at kids [asking myself], 'Would I want to play with him?' Ryan is one of those kids that you just want to play with. He's just a great player."

Creighton seems to be fitting into Franklin Pierce's plans just fine. Through four games, he averaged 6.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He has shot 19 of 25 from the free-throw line.

"It's a fast-paced game, nothing like high school," Creighton said. "I've learned a lot. You have to stay on top of your game, keep competing every day. You can't really slack off in college because it's a long season, and you have to be ready to go."

In Creighton's first game on Long Island as a college player, he registered a season-high 18 points and eight rebounds in a 103-101 overtime victory over Dowling College in the first Molloy Lions Classic game at Molloy's tiny Quealy Gymnasium on Friday. Creighton made 11 of 13 free throws and converted a pair of three-point plays the old-fashioned way in the second half. He drained three free throws on back-to-back possessions to give Franklin Pierce a 102-98 lead with less than 30 seconds left, putting the game out of Dowling's reach.

What was most special about the night?

"Winning," Creighton said, "winning on Long Island."

The following night, Franklin Pierce downed host Molloy, 86-67, for its largest margin of victory this season. Creighton had four points and six rebounds in that game.

But the Ravens have learned that numbers alone do not tell the full tale of what Creighton brings to a basketball court.

"The game just seems so natural to him," Dozier said. "He doesn't force anything. He's going to find great shots for himself, but he's not going to force it. He's going to play defense. He's going to talk on defense. He's going to make all of his teammates better, and that's the best part about him."

Creighton graduated from Greenport High School as one of the most accomplished players the school has ever produced. He completed his high school career with 2,799 points over five varsity seasons, ranking him second on New York State's all-time list and first on Long Island's. In addition to leading the Porters to three straight state final fours, he was instrumental in the team playing in its first state final last season. In light of these accomplishments, Creighton became the only four-time winner in the 24-year history of the athlete of the year awards presented by Times/Review Newspapers.

Creighton was adored by Greenport fans as much for his unselfish play as for his ability and high basketball IQ, and that is what has endeared him to his current team.

"That's what surprised me about him," Chadbourne said. "I figured a kid who scored so many points in high school wouldn't know how to pass. He is an exceptional passer."

For some players, making the adjustment from being a dominant player in high school to a player with a more limited role in college might be difficult, but apparently not for Creighton.

"I think it is [difficult] for a lot of kids because of their egos," Chadbourne said. "Ryan doesn't have one. He has pride in his game, but he doesn't have an ego. If he scores no points and we win, Ryan's just as happy as if he scored 30."

So, how does Creighton like his college?

"It's in the woods, but other than that, it's pretty good," Creighton said. "I like the guys on the team. We hang out a lot, on and off the court. It's like a family."

Aside from school and basketball, what is there to do in Rindge, N.H.?

"Sometimes we go to the movies, but other than that, we play PlayStation," Creighton said. "Everything is out of the way. You have to do something."

Creighton said he has great memories of playing for Greenport, but now it's time for him to make new memories in college. He said, "I'm always a Porter, but now I'm a Raven."

bliepa@timesreview.com

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