A Close Shave and a Senior Send-Off: Staten Island's Hoops Highlights

Staten Island Academy's boys' basketball team faced a tough loss in the ACIS Championship, falling to Dwight School by just three points. The Tigers, who entered the tournament as the second seed, put up a good fight, especially after being down by 14 points in the second half. They managed to take the lead in the final minutes, but Dwight made the crucial plays to secure the win. Gabe Moschella led the team with 23 points, while Danny Nowak added 15, and Luke DeVito scored 11, including his 1, 000th career point. The game started off rocky for the Tigers, as Dwight's long-range shots gave them an early lead. But the Tigers showed their resilience, cutting the deficit to just four points by halftime. Coach Mike Mazella noted that the team often starts slow and has to dig themselves out of holes, which isn't an ideal strategy. In the third quarter, the Tigers mounted another comeback, with DeVito reaching a significant milestone with his layup.Despite the loss, the Tigers finished the season with a strong record of 20-5 overall and 13-4 in the ACIS. They now wait to see if they'll secure a spot in the NYSAIS postseason tournament. The team's fighting spirit was evident throughout the game, but the lack of intensity in the early parts of the game proved costly. On the girls' side, Notre Dame Academy celebrated their seniors in style, beating Petrides by 29 points on Senior Night. All five seniors played the entire game and contributed to the scoreboard, showcasing their teamwork and dedication. Emma Blomquist led the way with 15 points, followed by Caroline Kasagrande with 10, and Ava Manzella, Addison Marrocco, and Gianna Montagna each added nine points. Coach Bobby DellaValle praised the seniors for their unity and dedication throughout their high school careers. Petrides' Mackenzie Terry put up a strong effort with 12 points in her final regular-season game. The Gators finished the regular season with a 12-9 record and now prepare for the Archdiocese playoffs against St. Joseph Hill. The date and time of the matchup are still to be determined.