STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— The high school basketball season is upon us, and the borough’s Catholic/private schools are each poised to make some noise in their respective CHSAA/ACIS divisions this year.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea — the lone Staten Island program competing in the CHSAA’s top AAA division after re-aligning from AA last season — captured the Archdiocesan title last year. Now, all eyes are on how the Vikings will defend their championship without Angelina Hodgens ’25, the standout who set the school record for points in her senior season.
At the AA level (formerly the A division), Moore Catholic will look to fend off challenges from Notre Dame Academy and St. Joseph Hill after winning last season’s CHSAA A state championship. Like Sea, Moore graduated its standout player, Brianna Caliri, meaning sisters Emma and Olivia Bruno-Dunne will be relied upon to help lead the Mavericks to a repeat.
Lastly, Staten Island Academy, which competes in the independent ACIS league, will receive a major boost on the bench with the hiring of head coach Sandy Litkenhaus, the 1987 Jacques Award winner as Staten Island’s top basketball talent before going on to star at Villanova University.
So, with plenty of storylines to keep an eye on headed into the 2025-2026 campaign, here’s a closer look at each program and which players should be making the biggest impacts.
Giovanna Grima rushes past an Xaverian defender en route to the hoop. The junior finished with a game-high 16 points in the contest. (Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)CHSAA AAA divisionSt. Joseph by-the-Sea Vikings
Head Coach: Josh Suslak, 12th season
Assistant Coaches: Lisa Capiello, Kassidy Zieris
2024–25 record: 14-10 overall, 9-6 CHSAA AA League
Players to Watch: Olivia DiMonda (Sr., G), Giovanna Grima (Sr., G), Maria O’Connell (Sr., F), Lina D’Esposito (Sr., F), Brooke Molloy (Sr., F), Isabella Grippo (Sr., G)
Outlook: Sea will be integrating several younger players into the varsity level this season, as five underclassmen make their varsity debuts. At the same time, the team returns valuable veteran leadership with six seniors on the roster, including captains Maria O’Connell, Olivia DiMonda, and Giovanna Grima — each of whom will go on to play at the college level next year. This year’s group enters the season rooted in toughness and togetherness, with a strong commitment to the defensive end, head coach Josh Suslak shared. “The first-year varsity players have blended in quickly and bring a fresh, exciting glimpse into the future of the program. Everyone understands that the season will present countless challenges, especially competing in the CHSAA AAA Division against city powerhouses such as Christ the King and Scanlan,” he said. “Still, the team is working extremely hard in every practice to uphold the high standard that has been set for this program.”
Moore Catholic’s Emma Bruno-Dunn dribbles into the corner during their game against New Dorp in the semifinals of the Borough President’s Cup Tournament held at Petrides in Sunnyside on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)Staten Island AdvanceCHSAA AA divisionMoore Catholic Mavericks
Head Coach: Gene Henderson, seventh season
Assistant Coaches: Kelly Harden, Amanda Henderson
2024–25 record: 27–2 overall, 17–0 CHSAA A League
Players to Watch: Emma Costanzo (Sr., G); Mackenzie Felci (Sr., F); Allie Felci (Sr., F); Veronica Barbato (Sr., G); Alyssa Ragona (Sr., G); Olivia Bruno-Dunn (So., G); Emma Bruno-Dunn (So., G)
Outlook: Moore returns a strong core from last season’s championship squad, bringing back 10 players who helped secure the Archdiocesan A, CHSAA City A, and CHSAA Class A State titles. They also claimed the overall City A Championship with a win over PSAL A champion Murray Bergtraum HS, finishing the season ranked No. 1 in the state (Class A), according to the New York State Sportswriters Association. With league realigning the Mavs have been placed in the CHSAA AA division this season (still the second tier). Coach Gene Henderson will lean on four-year varsity standouts Emma Costanzo, Alexandra Felci and Mackenzie Felci to lead the team. “Allie [Felci] defends, rebounds, and shoots the ball well, while Mackenzie is a skilled post player with strong moves around the rim and excellent rebounding and shot-blocking ability,” Henderson said. Emma Costanzo anchors the backcourt. “Emma runs the team, can shoot it, gets to the rim, and is a solid defender.” Seniors Veronica Barbato and Alyssa Ragona will play key roles in the backcourt rotation. “Veronica shoots well and can get to the rim. Alyssa can play both guard spots and has a good shot,” Henderson noted. The Mavericks also return sophomore twins Olivia and Emma Bruno-Dunn, who made an immediate impact as freshmen. “Both are athletic,” Henderson said. “Emma can play either guard spot, is a solid shooter, and a great defender — often guarding the opponent’s best player. Olivia shoots well, gets to the rim, and can really score.” Moore’s depth extends to a strong supporting cast, including seniors Madison Foder, Gab Cuesta, and Laila Moley, along with junior newcomers Alyssa Regina and Angelina Panepinto, who are looking to make an impact this season. “We’re a very balanced offensive team,” Henderson emphasized. “Our focus is on defending, rebounding, and pushing the ball in transition. We’ve worked hard in the preseason on conditioning so we can play fast, shoot well, and defend. Hopefully we can continue last year’s success and make another run at a championship.”
Day 2 Inaugural Staten Island Borough President’s Cup: Notre Dame vs. Petrides, at Staten Island Academy, Todt Hill, on Sunday Jan. 28, 2024. Caroline Kasegrande (20) with the ball. Notre Dame wins 63-40. (Kara Buzga for Staten Island Advance)..Notre Dame Academy Gators
Head Coach: Bobby DellaValle, fifth season
Assistant Coaches: Steve Benigno, Casey Love, Kevin Swanberg, Briana Van Cleaf
2024–25 record: 15–9 overall, 9-5 CHSAA A League
Players to Watch: Caroline Kasegrande, (Sr., G/F). Gianna Lorenzo (Jr., PG) Ava Manzella (Sr., F), Gianna Montagna (Sr., G), Savannah Breslin (So., G), Aliya Monroe (Soph., F/C,)
Outlook: The 2025–26 season arrives with high expectations after last year’s strong campaign and a hard-fought run to the Archdiocese playoff semifinal. “Despite being one of the youngest teams in the league, the group proved it could compete with top-tier programs. With only three graduates, this year’s roster returns eight players, bringing continuity, maturity, and meaningful big-game experience. The program also welcomes a new influx of talent with three sophomores and one freshman ready to contribute immediately,” head coach Bobby DellaValle shared. This year’s schedule features both national and international challenges. In December, the team will travel to Tampa Bay for the prestigious Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, providing elite competition and national exposure. The Gators will also host Canberra Grammar School from Australia in a special non-league matchup, offering a rare global basketball experience. A third-year varsity standout, Caroline Kasegrande is “a proven perimeter threat whose expanded off-season development now makes her dangerous off the dribble as well.” Expect her to be a major scoring option and a steady veteran presence. Gianna Lorenzo returns as the “team’s floor general after a strong sophomore year. Her improved decision-making, composure, and defensive toughness position her to anchor the offense and take on top defensive assignments.” Ava Manzella brings “length, rebounding, and smart interior play to a guard-heavy rotation. Gianna Montagna is an “all-around contributor —an efficient shooter, high-motor defender, and versatile matchup piece who guards multiple positions.“ After earning varsity minutes as a freshman, Savannah Breslin enters her second year with poise and confidence. Aliya Monroe has “taken a major step forward and is poised for a breakout season. With added size and athleticism, she protects the paint, rebounds aggressively, finishes with power, and has expanded her range to stretch the floor.”
Hill’s Ella Onesto can shoot it from long distance. (Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance/Annie DeBiase)St. Joseph Hill Hilltoppers
Head coach: Ashley Vogel, second season
Assistants: Matt Giuliano and Richard Barrett
2024-25 record: 11-2 in CHSAA A League
Players to watch: Ella Onesto (Sr., F); Lauren Rodriguez. (Jr., G); Kourtney Nugent (Jr., C); Brielle Longo (Jr., F)
Outlook: “We’re excited to bring back four key returners from last year’s team,” said head coach Ashley Vogel, whose team will play in the CHSAA AA division this season. Senior Ella Onesto is ready to take on a bigger role this season and step into a leadership position. Lauren Rodriguez, Kourtney Nugent and Brielle Longo are now juniors who gained valuable experience and played important minutes for us last year. “We’re looking for each of them to make a leap this season as they take on expanded roles,” Vogel said. “Our emphasis this year is on defending at a high level, and doing it consistently, every possession. We are adding six new bodies from our JV team that will be big contributors for us as well. We have Julia Carlucci who has a deep range jump shot as well as Mackenzie Schaming who can play both ends of the floor. We are excited to kick off this season.”
Inaugural Borough President’s Cup, on Friday Jan. 26, 2024. Curtis vs. Staten Island Academy, at Moore Catholic in Graniteville. SIA’s Rita Moschella (12) with the ball. Curtis wins 71-65. (Kara Buzga for Staten Island Advance).ACIS LeagueStaten Island Academy Tigers
Head Coach: Sandy Litkenhaus
Assistant Coaches: Tori Moylan, Kerri Saputo
2024-25 record: 20-6 overall
Players to watch: Valentina Li (So., F), Alyssa Lopez (Fr., G), Rita Moschella (Jr., G), Margaret Moschella (Jr., G), Chloe Factor (Jr., F-C), Carly Factor (So., G-F), Greta Meleleo (Fr., G-F), Adriana Savary (8th Gr, G-F.)
Outlook: The Tigers enter the season with a promising blend of youth, depth, and returning experience in Sandy Litkenhaus’ first season as head coach. Sophomore Valentina Li “brings valuable height and unique versatility to the lineup.” Though she has the size of a post, her skill set allows her to play any position on the floor, making her one of the most adaptable players on the roster. In the backcourt, freshman Alyssa Lopez and junior Rita Moschella are “expected to handle much of the point guard responsibility.” Along with Margaret Moschella, the trio forms a “quick, confident, and dynamic guard unit. All three shoot the ball well and bring the type of speed that will help define the team’s tempo. These four young players are poised to make a significant impact.” Junior Chloe Factor adds strength, basketball IQ, and physicality to the rotation. “She is a smart defender, an aggressive rebounder, and has made clear strides in developing her inside scoring. Her growth gives the team a reliable presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.” While the roster is young, the return of four seniors provides essential leadership and stability. Surrounding them is a deep group of underclassmen ready to contribute immediately. Sophomore Carly Factor, freshman Greta Meleleo, and eighth grader Adriana Savary each “bring energy and talent that strengthen the team’s depth across positions. All three are expected to develop into solid, dependable contributors as the season progresses.” With a strong core returning from a team that graduated only one senior, expectations are high. This group’s combination of experience, versatility, and rising young talent positions them well for a successful campaign.