UPDATE: Staten Island high school basketball teams made headlines with thrilling victories during the ongoing Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, New Jersey. Just moments ago, St. Joseph by-the-Sea edged out St. Michael Catholic, 47-45, thanks to a standout performance from Nick Rebracca, who scored a game-high 27 points.
Rebracca’s scoring spree included a flawless 7 for 7 from the free-throw line, helping the Vikings improve to 1-1 in the tournament. “Nick showed his ability to score in a variety of ways today in a much-needed win for us,” praised Vikings head coach Mike Cortese. The team held a solid lead at halftime but faced a fierce comeback from SMC, who tied the game at 35 heading into the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Moore triumphed over Abington Friends from Pennsylvania with a score of 60-55. Senior guards Eenej Vinson, Matt Gibbons, and Nick DeGrado led the Mavs with crucial contributions, each scoring in double digits. This win marks a pivotal moment for Moore, who now stands at 2-6 overall and will face Pennsbury High School tomorrow at 1 p.m.
In Daytona, Florida, Monsignor Farrell faced a tough defeat against Lake Howell, losing 49-35. Despite a strong first half led by JJ Yates with 16 points, the Lions struggled in the third quarter, scoring only two points. This loss breaks their five-game winning streak, and they will look to bounce back against Winter Haven tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.
In another thrilling encounter, MSIT defeated CSIM 74-68 in the MSIT Christmas Showcase. Ray Guerriero led the Seagulls with a season-high 20 points, including nine crucial points in the fourth quarter. Coach Charlie Donohue acknowledged the challenge of the game, stating, “We have to learn how to play in close games down the stretch.”
Lastly, SIA maintained their perfect record, moving to 10-0 after a 75-67 victory over Petrides. Leading the Tigers was Danny Nowak with 19 points, while Gabe Moschella and Luke DeVito added 18 and 15 points respectively. Coach Mike Mazella expressed pride in the team’s performance, but acknowledged the need for improvement.
These games highlight the fierce competition and talent present in Staten Island high school basketball, with teams gearing up for more action in the coming days. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as these teams strive for glory in their respective tournaments.
