Senior guard Chris Albano delivered a stunning performance, scoring a career-high 41 points to lead Susan Wagner to an 89-72 victory over Erasmus in a PSAL 4A Brooklyn-Staten Island division game on March 2, 2024. Albano’s offensive prowess included 16 field goals, five of which were three-pointers, as he played a pivotal role in securing the win for his team.
The match, held in Brooklyn, marked a significant milestone for the Falcons, who improved their overall record to 14-6, including 7-4 in league play. Alongside Albano, Charles Gambino contributed 16 points, while teammates Clevi Hoxha (10 points), Darin Humes-James (nine points), and Brayden Louisson (eight points) played crucial roles in the Falcons’ offensive efforts.
“Although we weren’t our best defensively, Chris had another monster game,” said Danny Lanigan, head coach of Susan Wagner. The team trailed briefly before Albano’s 17 points in the first half helped secure a 41-34 lead by halftime. The point guard dominated the second half, scoring an additional 24 points to guide his team to victory.
Other Notable Performances in Staten Island High School Basketball
In a separate matchup, Daynell Rowland of Petrides shone brightly, scoring a game-high 39 points in a 70-63 win against FDR. Rowland, who had been benched in the first quarter for missing practice, showcased his skills with six three-pointers and a solid free-throw performance, hitting 9 of 12 attempts. This victory marked his fifth game this season with over 30 points.
The Panthers concluded the third quarter with a slim 49-47 lead before Rowland exploded for 18 points in the final quarter, including crucial three-pointers that helped seal the win. Aiden Gonzalez added 10 points for Petrides, while Kristopher Galarza led FDR with 19 points.
In another exciting clash, Ryan Hanley led Farrell to a 53-47 victory over Fordham Prep, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Hanley’s performance marked his second consecutive game of topping his career high. The senior’s contributions included two three-pointers and a perfect performance from the free-throw line, where he went 4 for 4.
The Lions managed to bounce back after an early-season loss to Fordham Prep. Hanley’s scoring was vital in the second half, where he helped establish a late lead after the game was tied at 47.
SIA Continues Their Winning Streak
The Staten Island Academy Tigers maintained their undefeated record with a convincing 70-48 win against Eagle Academy SI. The victory improved their season record to 16-0, marking the best start in the school’s history. Luke DeVito led the scoring with 22 points, while Johan Wielens and Gabe Moschella added 11 points each.
After a sluggish start against Eagle’s zone defense, the Tigers ignited a 10-0 run in the second quarter, which shifted momentum in their favor. Head coach Mike Mazella noted, “Our defense led to that run we had in the second quarter and helped put us in control.”
With several standout performances across the Staten Island high school basketball scene, the excitement continues as teams gear up for the upcoming matches, each vying for playoff positioning.
