In an exhilarating start to the high school basketball season, Eagle Academy Staten Island (EASI) secured a dramatic victory over Gaynor Campos with a final score of 39-36 on March 15, 2024. The game showcased standout performances from seniors Anthony Riley and Armani Perez, who each recorded double-doubles, helping their team clinch its second consecutive season opener.
EASI trailed at halftime, with Gaynor holding a slight lead of 24-22. After three quarters, the hosts maintained a narrow advantage at 37-35. However, the final quarter saw EASI rally, outscoring Gaynor 17-12. Perez, along with teammates Justin Webley and Juneek Daniels, combined for 15 points in the fourth quarter. Despite struggles at the free-throw line, where EASI converted only 18 of 34 attempts, Perez demonstrated composure by making five of six crucial free throws in the closing minutes. Riley finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Perez contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds.
In another matchup, the CSIM Dragons faced a tough challenge in their season opener against Fort Hamilton, ultimately falling 58-51. Patrick Tucker led the Dragons with 16 points, including 11 in the first quarter, which helped the team secure an early lead of 16-12. However, Fort Hamilton’s strong performance in the middle quarters proved decisive, as they outscored CSIM 35-19 during that stretch. The Tigers were fueled by Kendry Sanchez, who tallied 21 points, including five three-pointers. CSIM will look to bounce back in their next home game against Telecom on Saturday.
Meanwhile, MSIT encountered difficulties in the Shoot Hoops Not Guns Tournament, losing to Robeson 76-63. Despite a remarkable effort from Nizayah Jordan, who recorded a career-high 33 points, MSIT struggled defensively, allowing 35 points in the first quarter alone. Jordan’s scoring primarily came from the free-throw line, where he made 21 of 28 attempts. Terence LeGrande added 16 points for MSIT, but the balanced attack from Robeson, which featured four players scoring in double figures, proved too much for the Seagulls.
As the season progresses, Eagle Academy, CSIM, and MSIT will aim to build on their early performances, with each team showing potential despite the challenges faced. With strong individual performances and the excitement of high school basketball, fans can look forward to an engaging season ahead.
