Staten Island high school basketball teams delivered impressive performances over the weekend, with significant victories in several matches. Notable among these was the win by the Susan Wagner Falcons, who triumphed over Brooklyn Collegiate with a commanding score of 78-53 in a PSAL 4A division matchup.
In the game held on Saturday in Sea View, point guard Chris Albano led the Falcons with 21 points. The team had a strong second quarter that shifted the momentum in their favor. They managed to break open a close game to secure their overall record at 15-6, including an 8-4 mark in league play. Fellow teammates Clevi Hoxha and Charles Gambino also contributed significantly with 18 and 13 points, respectively.
Head coach Danny Lanigan praised his team’s performance, particularly their ball movement, which he noted has improved throughout the season. “We are sharing the ball as best as we have all season, and it’s been putting our shooters in great position to make shots,” Lanigan commented. The Falcons trailed 18-16 at the end of the first period but surged ahead, limiting the Lions to just seven points in the second quarter.
MSIT and Eagle SI Impress in Their Matches
Meanwhile, MSIT also had a successful outing, defeating Norman Thomas 74-60. Senior Ray Guerriero achieved a career-high 27 points, leading the Seagulls to an important victory that improved their record to 13-8. The team built a solid double-digit lead by halftime, taking a 49-37 advantage into the break. Despite a spirited comeback attempt from Norman Thomas, Guerriero’s scoring in the final quarter solidified the win.
In another match, Eagle SI dominated Washington Irving with a score of 78-41. Armani Perez was the standout player, finishing with a game-high 25 points and contributing six rebounds and four steals. Juneek Daniels also had a significant impact, recording a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, helping Eagle SI improve to 7-13 overall.
Close Contests and Narrow Defeats
Other games showcased tight competition. Murry Bergtraum edged past Petrides 50-49, with junior Kareem Nesbitt scoring 22 points for the Panthers, though they fell short in the closing moments.
Additionally, St. John’s Prep faced a challenging game against the Red Storm, suffering a 77-45 defeat. Junior Nick Rebracca led the Vikings with 24 points, but the team struggled to regain control after falling behind early.
As the season progresses, these high-stakes matches continue to shape the standings in the PSAL divisions. With several teams vying for playoff positions, the upcoming weeks promise to deliver more thrilling basketball action across Staten Island and beyond.