UPDATE: Staten Island high school basketball teams delivered thrilling performances at the Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, New Jersey, today, with St. Joseph by-the-Sea and Moore securing hard-fought victories. The games unfolded just hours ago, showcasing intense competition and standout individual efforts.
In a nail-biter, St. Joseph by-the-Sea edged past St. Michael Catholic, 47-45, thanks to a stellar 27-point effort from Nick Rebracca. This victory marks St. Joseph’s first win of the season, improving their record to 1-1. Rebracca’s scoring was pivotal, as he demonstrated versatility, netting seven points in the first quarter alone and finishing with a flawless 7 for 7 from the free-throw line, including critical shots in the fourth quarter.
Coach Mike Cortese praised Rebracca’s performance, stating, “Nick showed his ability to score in a variety of ways today in a much-needed win for us.” The Vikings built an eight-point lead after the first quarter but faced a spirited comeback from SMC, who tied the game heading into the final period.
Meanwhile, Moore triumphed over Abington Friends of Pennsylvania with a tight score of 60-55. The Mavs’ senior trio—Eenej Vinson, Matt Gibbons, and Nick DeGrado—combined for 38 points, leading the team to victory. This win improves their overall record to 2-6. The Mavs will face Pennsbury High School next on December 26, 2023, at 1 p.m.
In Daytona, Florida, Monsignor Farrell faced a setback against Lake Howell, losing 49-35. Despite a solid performance from JJ Yates, who scored 16 points, the Lions struggled in the third quarter, managing only two points as Lake Howell surged ahead. The defeat snapped Farrell’s five-game winning streak, leaving them eager for redemption in their next matchup against Winter Haven on December 26, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.
The MSIT Seagulls claimed victory against CSIM in a high-scoring clash, winning 74-68. Ray Guerriero led the charge with a season-high 20 points, helping MSIT improve to 7-5 on the season. Coach Charlie Donohue acknowledged the need for his team to sharpen their performance in close games, saying, “We have to learn how to play in close games down the stretch.”
In another highlight, Staten Island Academy (SIA) continued their undefeated streak, defeating Petrides 75-67. Danny Nowak led SIA with 19 points, while Gabe Moschella and Luke DeVito contributed significantly. The win elevates SIA’s record to an impressive 10-0.
As the holiday basketball season heats up, fans will be watching closely as these teams look to build momentum in their upcoming games. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting matchups unfold!
