UPDATE: The landscape of high school basketball on Staten Island is shifting dramatically as local teams prepare for the 2024-25 CHSAA A division season. New regulations mean that teams now face a grueling schedule, leaving little room for non-league games.
As the season approaches, the four CHSAA teams—Monsignor Farrell, Moore Catholic, St. Joseph by-the-Sea, and St. Peter’s—are grappling with the implications of a newly enforced 18-game league schedule. This change eliminates the flexibility once available for holiday tournaments or additional non-league matchups, significantly impacting team strategies and preparation.
Historically, these teams enjoyed a more lenient schedule, but now they must compete against city teams to qualify for the playoffs. The pressure is on, as teams will play each of the 10 teams in their division twice, mirroring the old SIHSL format. This leaves only two remaining games for any additional competition, essentially locking teams into their division pairs.
The implications are profound. With limited opportunities to diversify their play, teams are focused on maximizing their league performance. As one coach noted, “It feels like it’s going to be one of those years when after everybody plays six games, all four teams in the division will be 3-3.”
The SIHSL Tournament, integral to Staten Island high school basketball, remains a crucial focus. For teams eliminated early, there is a brief window to schedule late non-league games before city playoffs begin, but this can only happen if they navigate their league schedule successfully.
Coaches and players are feeling the heat. Monsignor Farrell’s coach, Danny Fisher, emphasized the experience his team brings, stating that veteran players like JJ Yates and Matt Scalisi are expected to lead with their skills and accountability. Meanwhile, Todd Byrnes at Moore Catholic is instilling a win-now mentality, reflecting a shift from rebuilding to competing.
Across the division, teams must strategize under these new conditions. The pressure is palpable as they prepare for what promises to be an intensely competitive season.
St. Peter’s, a powerhouse with a history of success in the league, faces its own challenges after losing key players to graduation. Coach Ryan Woods is looking to his remaining players to step up, particularly seniors like Nico Parlanti and Sal Fragiglio, who must fill the void left by their departed teammates.
In addition to the CHSAA teams, Staten Island Academy continues to maintain a unique position, competing in the ACIS while also engaging in non-league games with local schools. Head coach Mike Mazella expressed optimism about returning players like Danny Nowak, who averaged 14.8 points per game last season, and Luke DeVito, who provides a versatile scoring option.
As teams finalize their strategies and prepare for the upcoming season, the clock is ticking. The opening games are just around the corner, and the stakes have never been higher. Expect fierce competition and gripping matchups as Staten Island’s high school basketball scene unfolds over the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the season kicks off and local teams vie for supremacy in a challenging and tightly packed schedule.
