UPDATE: In a thrilling day of high school basketball at the Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, NJ, Staten Island teams showcased their talent, with St. Joseph by-the-Sea and MSIT securing hard-fought victories. Meanwhile, SIA maintained their unbeaten streak, while Monsignor Farrell suffered a setback in Florida.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea narrowly defeated St. Michael Catholic, 47-45, thanks to an outstanding performance by Nick Rebracca, who scored a game-high 27 points. Rebracca’s scoring was pivotal, with contributions spread throughout the game, including a perfect 7 for 7 from the free-throw line. Head Coach Mike Cortese praised Rebracca, emphasizing his ability to score in diverse ways, crucial for this hard-earned win.
The victory improves Sea’s record to 7-4 overall. The Vikings took an early lead, holding an eight-point advantage at the end of the first quarter. However, St. Michael fought back, outscoring Sea in the third quarter. Key plays from Nick Lee and Joey Moran in the final moments sealed the win.
MSIT also celebrated a significant victory, defeating CSIM 74-68. Ray Guerriero led the Seagulls with 20 points, including nine in a decisive fourth quarter. With this win, MSIT improves to 7-5 for the season. Head Coach Charlie Donohue highlighted the team’s need to improve in close games, stressing the importance of teamwork as they look forward to upcoming matches.
In contrast, Monsignor Farrell faced a tough challenge in Daytona, FL, falling to Lake Howell 49-35. Despite JJ Yates scoring 16 points, the Lions struggled offensively, managing only two points in a pivotal third quarter. The loss ended a five-game win streak for Farrell, who will look to rebound in their next game against Winter Haven on December 12 at 11:30 AM.
Meanwhile, SIA continued their impressive run, defeating Petrides 75-67, pushing their record to 10-0. Danny Nowak led the Tigers with 19 points, supported by Gabe Moschella and Luke DeVito, who scored 18 and 15 points respectively. Coach Mike Mazella praised the team’s ball movement, though he noted a need for improvement as they prepare for their next match against Packer Collegiate in Brooklyn.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these Staten Island teams, eager to see how they perform in their upcoming games. The success at the Boardwalk Classic is not just about winning; it’s a testament to the hard work and determination of these young athletes, making their schools and communities proud.
