Staten Island high school basketball teams delivered strong performances over the weekend in the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), with notable victories by Susan Wagner, Michael J. Petrides, and Eagle Academy. Each game showcased impressive individual and team efforts, contributing to a dynamic atmosphere in local sports.
Susan Wagner Dominates Brooklyn Collegiate
In a commanding performance, point guard Chris Albano led the Susan Wagner Falcons to a decisive 78-53 victory against Brooklyn Collegiate on March 2, 2024. The game, held in Sea View, saw the Falcons break open a competitive match with a stellar second quarter, outscoring their opponents significantly.
Albano finished with 21 points, while teammates Clevi Hoxha and Charles Gambino added 18 and 13 points, respectively. The Falcons improved their record to 15-6 overall and 8-4 in league play. Coach Danny Lanigan praised his team’s ball-sharing skills, noting that it allowed shooters to find better opportunities: “We shoot it at a much higher level when the ball is moving and that showed today,” he said.
Wagner initially trailed 18-16 after the first quarter but restricted the Lions to just seven points in the second quarter. This shift helped establish a 35-25 lead at halftime. The Falcons maintained their momentum, with strong contributions from Darin Humes-James and Adem Djonbalic, who combined for another 13 points.
MSIT and Eagle Academy Secure Wins
At the same time, the Michael J. Petrides Seagulls triumphed over Norman Thomas with a score of 74-60. Senior Ray Guerriero delivered a career-high 27 points, helping his team snap a two-game losing streak. The Seagulls took a commanding lead at halftime, thanks to a strong first-half performance from Dalton Cherubin, who contributed 17 points.
Guerriero’s leadership shone in the final quarter, where he scored crucial points to maintain the advantage as the Tigers attempted a comeback. The Seagulls now stand at 13-8 overall, including 8-4 in PSAL play.
In another notable match, Eagle Academy defeated Washington Irving decisively with a score of 78-41. Armani Perez led all scorers with 25 points, while Juneek Daniels recorded a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Eagles improved their record to 7-13, showcasing a strong performance after a tumultuous season.
Other Highlights Across the League
The weekend also featured several close contests, including a challenging game for St. Peter’s, which fell to Mount St. Michael 63-51. Despite a balanced attack led by Nico Parlanti with 12 points, the Eagles could not recover after trailing early in the matchup. The defeat brought St. Peter’s record to 8-9 overall.
In a nail-biter, Percy Sutton edged New Dorp 58-55. Sergio Batista led the Centrals with 18 points, but they could not fend off a strong free-throw performance from the Senators in the final moments.
The weekend concluded with a close contest between Murry Bergtraum and Petrides, where junior Kareem Nesbitt scored 22 points, but the Panthers fell short 50-49.
As the season progresses, Staten Island teams continue to showcase their talent, with exciting matchups ahead that promise to keep local fans engaged.
