In an exciting day of high school basketball on March 16, 2024, several teams from Staten Island showcased their skills, securing victories in various matches. Notable performances came from Moore Catholic, Staten Island Academy, New Dorp, and others, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in local sports.
Moore Catholic Edges Out Xavier in Tight Contest
Moore Catholic delivered a strong performance, overcoming Xavier High School 55-52 in a closely contested game. The Mavs’ senior backcourt was instrumental in their success, with Matt Gibbons leading the charge by scoring a season-high 16 points. His teammates, Nick DeGrado and Eenej Vinson, also made significant contributions with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Head coach Todd Byrnes praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We played a full 32 minutes and that was the difference. Even when they went on their run we didn’t quit; the boys kept pushing.”
Moore took control early, leading 18-10 after the first quarter and 31-26 at halftime. Vinson scored eight points in the opening period, while Gibbons and DeGrado combined for ten. Gibbons added six more points in the second quarter, helping the team maintain their lead throughout the game. For Xavier, Aleksander Kovacevic and Tim Leahy led the scoring with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Staten Island Academy Extends Winning Streak
Staten Island Academy (SIA) continued its impressive form by securing a commanding 79-43 victory over CSIM, marking their twelfth consecutive win. Junior Gabe Moschella led the Tigers with a game-high 21 points, supported by Danny Nowak with 17 and Luke DeVito contributing 13 points. After a shaky start, the Tigers quickly found their rhythm, scoring 27 points in the first quarter alone.
Coach Mike Mazella highlighted the importance of defensive intensity, noting that their ability to generate turnovers led to fast breaks and easy baskets. “Everything started with our defense today,” he remarked. Despite a brief challenge from CSIM, SIA maintained control, demonstrating a well-rounded performance. The Tigers will face Leman Manhattan next, aiming to continue their success in league play.
New Dorp and MSIT Deliver Dominant Wins
New Dorp cruised to an 82-55 victory over Frank Macchiarola, with Sergio Battista scoring an impressive 33 points. The Centrals improved their overall record to 11-4, with Joshua Carter adding 23 points and Omari Onwe contributing 11. Coach Pat Hopkins expressed satisfaction with the team’s evolving defensive play and offensive execution.
Meanwhile, MSIT secured a convincing 60-31 victory against New Utrecht. With Dalton Cherubin leading the scoring with 14 points and Ray Guerriero contributing 12, MSIT established a commanding lead by halftime. The team displayed depth, as 11 players contributed to the scoring effort.
Sea and Junior Varsity Teams Contribute to Local Success
Sea High School also celebrated a victory, defeating Fordham Prep 44-37. Junior forward Nick Rebracca led his team with 17 points, demonstrating strong performance at the free-throw line. Coach Mike Cortese commended his team’s defensive efforts, which limited Fordham to just one field goal in the opening quarter.
In junior varsity action, Farrell edged out St. Peter’s 68-64, overcoming a late-game challenge. Joe Iacono led Farrell with 17 points, including ten in the final period. Coach Peter Tutrone acknowledged the team’s preparation, crediting their practice for the win.
As the season progresses, these Staten Island teams continue to build momentum, showcasing their talents and determination on the court. With upcoming games on the horizon, fans remain eager to see how these young athletes will perform in their respective leagues.
