STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — My, how things have changed since the early days of the SIHSL Tournament.
And this is especially true for the Island’s four CHSAA teams, most notably Monsignor Farrell, Moore Catholic and St. Joseph by-the-Sea — all of which compete in the CHSAA A division.
When the SIHSL Tournament was in its infancy, there were only 10 teams in the league. Because the Island’s CHSAA teams didn’t have to play regular-season games vs. city competition, the SIHSL played an 18-game regular-season schedule (two games against each team) to determine the seeds for the tournament.
By the same token, the four Island CHSAA squads also played a six-game schedule against each other and the Island champ represented the borough in the AA playoffs. More often than not, the second and third-place finishers went to the A playoffs and the last-place finisher usually went to the B playoffs.
Even with that massive SIHSL schedule back then, Island teams had six non-league games to use, some of which were saved for holiday tournaments.
Things have changed dramatically, of course. Island squads must now compete against city competition in the regular season if they want to be eligible for the CHSAA playoffs.
The A division, meanwhile, now has 10 teams. A year ago, the division was broken into two five-team groups that played everybody in their group twice and everyone in the opposite group once. That made it a total of 13 league games, which is reasonable.
Now, the league has decided that each team must play the other nine teams twice each, taking up a whopping 18 games, just like the old SIHSL schedule back in the day.
Because the Lions, Mavericks and Vikings still play St. Peter’s twice each and must save four games for the SIHSL Tournament, the Island’s A squads are left with only two games for anything else, like holiday tournaments or non-league games.
Is it a bummer? Yes, to an extent, if you like branching out and playing different competition.
But, in essence, it’s done to keep the SIHSL Tournament alive (the tourney games are technically regular-season games). Plus, the teams who are eliminated prior to the SIHSL Tournament final may schedule a late non-leaguer or two before the city playoffs commence.
The Island’s three A division teams figure to be in the mix for the championship and those games should again be competitive and interesting. Wins won’t be easy, but the teams who earn them will not only get a W toward their league standings, but the CHSAA Staten Island paper league as well.
St. Peter’s, which has won at least a share of the last three Island CHSAA crowns, remains in the highly touted AA division.
As far as the Island’s CHSAA paper league is concerned, one Island coach recently said, “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.’’
He just might be right. And that certainly would make things interesting come tourney time.
Staten Island Academy, which returns a veteran squad, will not only compete in the Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (ACIS), but will once again play several Island teams in non-leaguers. The Tigers, who are playing under 23rd-year head coach Mike Mazella, will take part in the SIHSL Tournament for the third straight season.
For a look at the Island’s four CHSAA teams and SIA, please scroll down.
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Senior Matt Scalisi will once again be handling point guard duties for Monsignor Farrell this season.(Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)
MONSIGNOR FARRELL
Head coach: Danny Fisher, first season
2024-25 record: 11-15 overall
Players to watch: Matt Scalisi (6-0, Sr.); JJ Yates (6-3, Sr.); James Hutchinson (6-1, Sr.); Jack Gomez (6-0, Jr.); Ryan Hanley (6-6, Jr.); Mike Abreu (6-2, Jr.); Colin Burke (6-5, So.); Ryan Tait (6-2, Sr.); Gavin Mullen (6-4, Jr.).
Outlook: The Lions return a plethora of experience, including five players who started at various times last season, including with each other. Among those veteran are three-year varsity players and backcourt mates JJ Yates and Matt Scalisi. Yates, a shooting guard and three-year starter, was the Lions’ leading scorer (14.3 ppg) and three-point shooter (48) last season. Scalisi, the point guard, was the second leading scorer a year ago (9.1) and drained 21 treys. Suffice it to say, first-year head coach Danny Fisher will count on the duo for more production and leadership. “They’re the heart and soul of our team. Both lead by example. They’re vocal and hold their teammates accountable — all things you need to be successful,’’ said Fisher. “(Yates) can shoot from anywhere, but can score in different ways and has improved as a defender. (Scalisi) has improved in decision-making and is a really good, on-ball defender.’’ Juniors Jack Gomez, Michael Abreu and Ryan Hanley are each second-year varsity players who received solid minutes a year ago and will have increased roles this season. Gomez completes Farrell’s starting backcourt while Abreu (4.6 ppg last season) and Hanley (5.0 ppg) not only give the Lions an inside presence, but are also threats from the perimeter. “They each gained valuable experience as sophomores a year ago and we’re expecting them to play like seniors,’’ said Fisher. ”(Gomez) is a good defender with an improved shot. (Abreu) is a jack-of-all-trades who moves really well without the ball and is savvy. (Hanley) is multi-dimensional who gives us a legit inside-outside threat. Teams have to guard him.’’ Senior James Hutchinson had a great off-season and will be an important part of what Farrell does, according to the coach. “He’s stronger and can defend multiple positions,’’ said Fisher. Senior Ryan Tait, junior Gavin Mullen and sophomore Colin Burke each give Fisher solid options. “(Tait) just got back from football, but he’s strong mentally. He’s tough,’’ said the coach. ”(Mullen) gives us good size off the bench and Burke might take some lumps on varsity, but he’s going to get better as time goes by.’’
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Moore Catholic point guard Nick DeGrado led the Mavericks in points per game average (14.5) and three-pointers (47) during the 2024-25 campaign.(Advance/SIlive.com | Jason Paderon)
MOORE CATHOLIC
Head coach: Todd Byrnes, first season
2024-25 record: 10-15 overall
Players to watch: Nick DeGrado (5-11, Sr.); Matt Gibbons (6-1 Sr.); Eenej Vinson (6-3, Sr.); Alex Modica (6-2, Sr.); Alexander Raphael (6-5, Jr.); Matt Mieles (6-1, Sr.); Ky Perez (5-9, Jr.); Chris Neville (6-4, Jr.)
Outlook: The Mavs are keeping it all in the family as Todd Byrnes takes over the reigns from dad Tommy as head coach in Graniteville after a successful run as the school’s JV coach. “The program has come full circle from where it was when we took over five year’s ago,” boldly stated Todd Byrnes. “We are no longer in a rebuild mode; the coaches and players are in a win-now mode. You can see it in how hard the boys worked since last spring and into the summer and fall. Their mentality is anything less than winning is unacceptable and it’s a great environment to work in every day,” added the first-year head man. Nick DeGrado (14.5 ppg, 47 treys last season) is entering his third varsity campaign as the team’s starting point guard and Byrnes is happy to have him back. “He’s our go-to guy; he can do a little bit of everything and has the ability to make his teammates better,” praised Byrnes. Matt Gibbons (9.3 ppg, 37 treys) is another member of the Mavs’ backcourt that Byrnes has high hopes for. “Matt is the best shooter and defender on the team. He brings a ton of toughness night in and night out.” Like DeGrado, Eenej Vinson (11.3 ppg, 15 treys) returns for his third varsity season as well. “He’s our most versatile and athletic player and can take over a game,” said Byrnes. Up front Byrnes will look to Alex Modica, Alexander Raphael and Chris Neville to do the dirty work. “Modica is a leader who puts the team first and does all the little things to help the team win; while Raphael was the most improved player over the summer and can be a force on both ends of the floor,” said Byrnes. “Neville will provide toughness and rebounding.” Senior Matt Mieles and junior Ky Perez bring depth to the team’s deep backcourt. “Mieles is a combo guard, who makes timely plays and will contribute off the bench. Perez is a change of pace point guard who can impact the game without scoring. ”I was a player in this school and now coach, this is possibly the most talent we have ever had on all levels and we feel the program is in a great place for years to come,” admitted Byrnes.
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St. Joseph by-the-Sea junior Nick Rebracca (10) averaged 14.9 ppg with 69 three-pointers a year ago.(Advance/SILive.com | Annie De Biase)
ST. JOSEPH BY-THE-SEA
Head coach: Mike Cortese, 14th season
2024-25 record: 17-10 overall
Players to watch: Nick Rebracca (6-4, Jr.); John Paturzo (6-1, Jr.); Nick Lee (5-11, Jr.); Jack Boyle (5-11, Jr.); Anthony Stolfo (6-3, Sr.); Joey Moran (6-0, Jr.); Luca Mineo (5-11, Jr.); Colin Valenti (6-2, Jr.); Arne Mattson (6-0, Jr.)
Outlook: The Vikings made their fourth straight trip to the SIHSL semifinals a year ago and also finished the campaign as runners-up in the CHSAA A division, but as the new season begins, head coach Mike Cortese will be staring at one of the youngest squads he’s ever began a year with in Huguenot. Nick Rebracca returns for his junior year and will be the go-to man for the Vikings in his third varsity season. “Nick is a pure shooter, who has added four inches in height this off-season,” said Cortese. “He can stretch defenses with his range and quick release and has also added an inside presence with his ability to get to the rim. He will get his share of shot attempts but is a smart enough player to know this will open the floor to his teammates,” added Cortese. Junior point man John Paturzo is the only other player with some varsity experience under his belt and Cortese expects the heady guard to play a significant role as well. “John is a basketball fundamentalist’s dream player,” praised Cortese. He does just about everything right on the court and if he does make a mistake, he makes it a priority to clean it up on the next possession. He is the silent glue that keeps the group running.” Another junior that will step into the starting lineup and be counted on to make an impact is Nick Lee. “He is a crafty guard that can score from anywhere on the court,” stated Cortese. “He keeps the ball on a string and can set up teammates to score as well as use his shiftiness and ability to get down hill.” The Viking JV made it to the SIHSL final last year and another junior that is making the jump to the big club is forward Jack Boyle. “Jack is a blue-collar workhorse who thrives on intensity on both ends of the court,” said Cortese. “He is a defensive specialist and has also added a consistent outside shot. He can also play a variety of positions.” Vikings football star Joey Moran will join the club shortly and his toughness and motor will give the Vikings a spark inside. “Moran will be relied on to anchor this group inside with his sheer strength and athleticism,” Cortese quipped. “He can handle the ball and lead the break, while also clearing space on both ends of the floor.” Luca Mineo, another junior guard, will be looked on to contribute off the bench. “He is a scoring threat and has a knack for finding the basketball at the right time and not scared to take the big shot,” said Cortese. He can score from mid-range and behind the arc which gives him a competitive advantage on defenders.” Anthony Stolfo is a senior, who did not see much playing time a year ago, but Cortese will be counting on the upperclassman this year. “His size and strength will be needed to help control the paint and he is a vocal leader who can knock down the outside shot if left open,” said Cortese. Colin Valenti and Arne Mattson are another pair of juniors that will look to add depth in the front court. “As always, expect to see the Vikings play a variety of styles of play on both ends of the court, especially with our guard heavy lineup,” admitted Cortese.
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St. Peter’s senior Sal Fragiglio (34) with give the Eagles an interior presence during the 2025-26 season.(Advance/SIlive.com | Annie De Biase)
ST. PETER’S
Head coach: Ryan Woods, fourth season
2024-25 record: 15-11 overall
Players to watch: Nico Parlanti (6-3, Sr.); Sal Fragiglio (6-3, Sr.); Dennis Corson (5-7, Sr.); Victor Baez (6-2, Jr.); Aaron Vazquez (6-4, Jr.); Noah Scott (6-0, So.); Tyler Schoenberg (6-5, So.); Ryan Freeman (6-3, Jr.); Sean Gannon (6-2, Jr.).
Outlook: The seven-time defending SIHSL Tournament champion Eagles were hit hard by graduation as four of their five starters are now in college, including Jaques Award winner Saliou Diokhane. In addition, Talib Martin, a junior who would have been the Eagles’ returning leading scorer, transferred to St. Andrew’s School, a prep institution in Rhode Island. St. Peter’s, however, does have a trio of seniors who received some rotation minutes a year ago, including forwards Nico Parlanti and Sal Fragiglio and point guard Dennis Corson. Parlanti was the Eagles’ sixth man last season (3.0 ppg), but head coach Ryan Woods said the forward had a great summer and is ready to take his game to another level. “He’s not only ready to step into a leadership role, but he’ll be a catalyst in many categories,’’ said Woods, noting Parlanti is a good rebounder. ”As a scorer, he’s a three-level guy — he gets to the rim, middle-range (jumpers) and he can shoot from three.’’ Fragiglio gives the Eagles some size while Corson will be expected to run St. Peter’s offense. “(Fragiglio) is a talented power forward who has matured and gives us an inside presence. We’ll count on him heavily for rebounding and scoring in the paint,’’ said Woods. ”And (Corson) is a defensive-minded guard who’ll make plays in the open court and get us in our sets.’’ Junior forward Aaron Vazquez, a Moore Catholic transfer who sat out last season, and wing Victor Baez, a JV graduate, are expected to make immediate impacts. Vazquez is likely out until after the holidays with an elbow injury. “(Vazquez) is a double-double guy — he’s a rebounding machine who can finish with both hands‚’’ Woods said. “And (Baez) plays with an edge on both ends of the floor. He can get to the rim and he’s just very aggressive and tough.’’ Point guard Noah Scott and 6-foot-5 Tyler Schoenberg are two of four sophomores who made the jump to varsity. “(Scott) is a nasty defender who can get in the lane and make plays for others,’’ the coach said. ”And (Schoenberg) is a big, talented sophomore who has good hands and feet and he’s getting a good feel for the varsity game.’’ Juniors Ryan Freeman and Sean Gannon were among the Eagles’ top players on JV a year ago and will vie for time this season. “(Freeman) gives us options. I love his athleticism and he continues to improve defensively and on the glass,’’ Woods said. ”And (Gannon) is an athletic finisher with a high IQ.’’
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Staten Island Academy senior Luke DeVito is a four-year varsity player who averaged 10.7 ppg last season for the Tigers.(Courtesy of Mike Mazella)
STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY
Head coach: Mike Mazella, 23rd season
2024-25 record: 10-13 overall
Players to watch: Danny Nowak (6-1, Sr.); Luke DeVito (6-3, Sr.); Johan Wielens (6-4, Sr.); Jayden Ai (6-3, Sr.); Ayden Howe (5-10, Sr.); Lorenzo Malpeso (5-11, Sr.); Shiv Thakkar (6-3, Sr.); John Elefterakis (5-7, Fr.); Gabe Moschella (6-2, Jr.); Mike Belkin (5-11, So.); Will Paige (5-7, 8th grade).
Outlook: The Tigers return their top two scorers of a year ago, including three-year varsity starter Danny Nowak and four-year player Luke DeVito. Nowak led the Tigers with a 14.8 ppg average and 10 treys a year ago. “(Nowak) is a strong, heady player who does a little bit of everything,’’ said SIA head coach Mike Mazella of his combo guard. ”We’re going to play him off the ball more this year in hopes of opening things up for him a bit more. That’ll give him more opportunities to drive. He can also shoot the three and, as a returning co-captain, we’re expecting him to be a leader too.’’ DeVito, meanwhile, gives the Tigers a jack-of-all-trades. He averaged 10.7 ppg with 17 treys for the season, but it should be noted the senior tossed in 16.1 ppg and eight treys during the Tigers’ last seven contests. “He gives us a lot of energy on both ends of the floor and we’re expecting leadership from him as well,’’ Mazella said. ”He can hit from mid-range or behind the arc and is capable of guarding anyone (from a point guard to center).’’ The head coach said 6-foot-3 Johan Wielens is SIA’s most improved player. “He got bigger and stronger and he gives us a nice combination of size and quickness. He also has a lot more confidence,’’ the coach said. ”He gives us an interior presence, but can hit from the outside as well.’’ Gabe Moschella, a St. Peter’s transfer who played on the Eagles’ JV last season, will give the Tigers an immediate boost. “He’ll give us a great shot in the arm. He has the ability to finish at the rim; he’s a good rebounder; and he just gives us a lot of versatility,’’ said Mazella. ”He can play anywhere from (shooting guard to center) and we believe he’ll be a big asset for us on both ends of the floor.’’ Mazella said Ayden Howe, John Elefterakis, Lorenzo Malpaso, Mike Belkin and Will Paige are all capable ‘zone busters’ with the ability to knock down shots. Shiv Thakkar and Jayden Ai, meanwhile, give the Tigers some interior options. “We’re going to rely on them to bang inside,’’ the coach said. ”They’re not afraid to mix it up.’’
(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com freelancer James Speciale contributed to this report)