{"id":52993,"date":"2025-11-26T15:13:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T15:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/52993\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T15:13:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T15:13:11","slug":"psal-boys-hoops-previews-2025-26-curtis-sw-will-again-meet-twice-in-december-3a-division-up-for-grabs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/52993\/","title":{"rendered":"PSAL boys\u2019 hoops previews 2025-26: Curtis, SW will again meet twice in December; 3A division up for grabs"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Once again, Curtis and Susan Wagner\u2019s home-and-home series will take place in the blink of an eye.<\/p>\n

The Warriors and Falcons will play in the PSAL 4A Brooklyn-Staten Island II division along with Abraham Lincoln, Canarsie and South Shore. <\/p>\n

As was the case when the Warriors and Falcons played in the Staten Island division, they\u2019ll square off against each team in the division twice while meeting each of the five teams in the Brooklyn-Staten Island I division once.<\/p>\n

That seems reasonable. <\/p>\n

When Curtis and SW played in the Staten Island division, the teams would routinely meet once before the holiday break, then again in January or February. <\/p>\n

It always seemed fair and if nothing else, allowed observers to see how the teams improved or tailed off from when they first met earlier in the season.<\/p>\n

But for whatever reason, for the second straight year, the Warriors and Falcons will lock horns twice in a 14-day stretch in the beginning of December. <\/p>\n

The Falcons will visit the Warriors in St. George on Dec. 2. Two weeks later, the Warriors will trek to Wagner\u2019s Seaview gymnasium on Dec. 16. Both games begin at 6.<\/p>\n

Last season, the teams split the series by both winning on their home court.<\/p>\n

As far as the seven-team, PSAL 3A Staten Island division is concerned, it has all the makings for another competitive season where a number of teams should vie for the crown.<\/p>\n

In the seven-team division\u2019s first two seasons, Port Richmond has experienced the most success. The Raiders tied Petrides for the Island regular-season crown in 2023-24, then with Tottenville last year.<\/p>\n

Who will earn the title this season? It remains to be seen, but a few coaches have suggested New Dorp as the team to beat because of the veteran lineup it has returning.<\/p>\n

For a look at each of Staten Island\u2019s nine teams, please scroll down.<\/p>\n

CHECK OUT THE CHSAA\/SIA HS BOYS\u2019 HOOPS 2025-26 PREVIEWS<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"SeasonedThe 6-foot-3 Xavier Farley (22), who received a lot of playing time a sophomore last season, is one of CSI\/McCown’s biggest players.(Advance\/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

CSI\/McCOWN<\/p>\n

Head coach: Danny Lee, ninth season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 4-21 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Stanley Kushnir (6-2, Sr.); Danny O\u2019Connor (6-2, Sr.); Xavier Farley (6-3, Jr.); Patrick Tucker (5-10, Sr.); Daniel Zajonc (5-8, Sr.); Jebreal Alhumaidi (5-10, Jr.); Saed Gheith (5-7, Jr.); Fady Girgis (6-1, Jr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Seniors Stanley Kushnir (8.5 ppg., 35 treys) and Danny O\u2019Connor (7.4 ppg., 42 treys) were the Dragons\u2019 third and fourth leading scorers a year ago and head coach Danny Lee is hoping his two-year starters can turn it up a level. He believes they will. \u201c(Kushnir) proved he can hit from three and mid-range and we\u2019re going to look for him to get to the free-throw line more this season too. He\u2019s also a strong kid that will help us with rebounding too,\u2019’ said Lee. \u201d(O\u2019Connor) is also a really good outside shooter and he grew some, so we\u2019re going to need him to by physical and rebound as well.\u2019’ Senior Patrick Tucker got about 7-8 minutes a game last season (4.1 ppg., but scored a season-high 17 points one game) and Lee said his role will increase. \u201cHe\u2019s one of our best on-ball defenders and he\u2019ll give us big energy and leadership \u2014 he was a no-brainer to be one of our captains,\u2019’ the coach said. \u201cHe\u2019ll either be a starter or our sixth man.\u2019’ Xavier Farley, who is CSIM\u2019s biggest rotation player at 6-foot-3, gained some valuable experience as a sophomore last season. In fact, he began to start at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. \u201c(Farley) is our best rim defender and defender overall. He\u2019ll block some shots,\u2019’ Lee said. \u201dHe\u2019s gained some strength and we\u2019re going to need him to score more this year.\u2019’ Senior Daniel Zajonc, meanwhile, will handle point guard duties. \u201cHe can shoot too,\u2019’ Lee said. \u201dBut we primarily need him to be our floor general and I think he\u2019s up to the task.\u2019’ Jebreal Alhumaidi, Saed Gheith and Fady Girgis are each JV graduates who are expected to be in the Dragons\u2019 rotation. \u201c(Gheith and Alhumaidi) were our two leading scorers on JV last season and good on the defensive end too,\u2019’ said Lee, noting one of the team\u2019s goals is to return to the PSAL city playoffs after missing last season. \u201dAnd (Girgis) is a swingman\/wing type with a huge upside. He got taller and always works hard.\u2019’<\/p>\n

\"Warriors'Curtis junior Makhiye Washington (11) buried.39 of his 56 three-pointers in the Warriors’ last 10 games a year ago.(Advance\/SILive.com | Annie De Biase)<\/p>\n

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CURTIS<\/p>\n

Head coach: Dwayne Archbold, 10th season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 13-12 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 4A Brooklyn-Staten Island II <\/p>\n

Players to watch: Makhiye Washington (6-1, Jr.); Curtis Tiu (6-1, Sr.); Amare Gaskin (6-2, Sr.); Jayden Faulkner (6-5, So.); Oscar Orengo (5-7, Sr.); William Johnson (5-6, So.); Mike Burke (5-11, Jr.); Omar Orengo (6-1, So.); Tyler Short (6-7, So.)<\/p>\n

Outlook: The Warriors lost a big part of their rotation of a year ago to graduation. Their biggest loss, however, was the departure of three-year varsity player Alonzo Archbold (17.4 ppg), who left for a Prep school (Hotchkiss School) in Connecticut. They do return starter Makhiye Washington, who not only averaged 10.7 ppg a year ago, but was among Staten Island\u2019s leaders with 56 three-pointers. What\u2019s even more impressive is the sharp-shooter drained 39 of those treys in the Warriors\u2019 last 10 games. Head coach Dwayne Archbold is hoping for more of the same with an increase in his scoring average. \u201cHe played a lot of minutes as a sophomore and we\u2019re going to look to him to be a leader this year,\u2019’ said Dwayne Archbold. \u201dHe\u2019s improved his jump shot and I think he\u2019ll be even more aggressive and consistent while getting to the basket more too.\u2019’ Senior Curtis Tiu will not only get a significant bump in playing time, but will likely start as well while classmate Oscar Orengo returns after missing all of last season with a pelvic injury. \u201c(Tiu) has the ability to penetrate to the basket and he\u2019s a decent shooter,\u2019’ the coach said. \u201dAnd Oscar returns hungry after missing all of last season. He\u2019ll be a utility guy who can handle and shoot the ball.\u2019’ Amare Gaskin, another senior, is an Abraham Lincoln transfer who is expected to make an immediate impact. \u201cHe\u2019s a streaky shooter who will also create opportunities for us,\u2019’ Archbold said. The Warriors are also bringing up four sophomores who made significant contributions to JV a year ago. Six-foot-5 Jayden Faulkner will instantly give Curtis an inside presence in several aspects. \u201cHe\u2019s raw, but talented and he has skills you can\u2019t teach,\u2019’ Archbold said. \u201dHe\u2019s athletic and long. He can rebound, finish and protect the rim. He\u2019ll make contributions now, but he\u2019s far from a finished product.\u2019’ Sophs William Johnson and Omar Orengo will give plenty of depth to Curtis\u2019 backcourt. Meanwhile, 6-7 Tyler Short \u2014 a transfer from New Jersey\u2019s Life Center \u2014 gives the Warriors another interior presence. Junior Mike Burke, a St. Peter\u2019s transfer, is a streaky perimeter shooter who\u2019ll vie for time as well.<\/p>\n

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\"EagleEagle Academy Staten Island’s Armani Perez, right, scored 11.0 ppg as a junior during the 2024-25 season.(Advance\/SILive.com | Charlie De Biase Jr.)<\/p>\n

EAGLE ACADEMY SI<\/p>\n

Head coach: Justin Spisto, third season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 9-16 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Javon Jordan (5-10, Sr.); Justin Webley (5-10, Jr.); Armani Perez (6-3, Sr.); Anthony Riley (6-0, Sr.); Juneek Daniels (6-4, Sr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Eagle has improved in each of its first two years in the SIPSAL 3A and head coach Justin Spisto feels this could be the year EASI breaks through and earns the school\u2019s coveted first postseason berth. \u201cI believe this season we have the highest ceiling we\u2019ve had as a program since its inception four year\u2019s ago,\u201d claimed Spisto. These guys have been playing for some time now and if it continues to mesh well I believe we will be one of the tougher team\u2019s to beat in the division. Justin Webley is a junior shooting guard that saw quality minutes with the varsity as a sophomore. \u201cHis game has matured between his basketball IQ, his jump shot and his ability to get to the basket and he will be a major contributor this year,\u201d said Spisto. Armani Perez (11 ppg, 7 rpg.) is in his third varsity season and Spisto has high hopes for his small forward. \u201cArmani has been a major factor for our program the last two years and he is looking to cap off his high school career with some major wins. Due to the size of our team this year he will be shifted to the wing at times and I think it will help his explosiveness in getting to the rim.\u201d Anthony Riley (12.7 ppg. 11 rpg) is another returning two-year starter and the most consistent player EASI has had. \u201cLast year was his best year yet as he was one of the top rebounders on the Island,\u201d said Spisto. \u201cWhat he lacks in height he makes up with his strength. He has a nice touch and will be a handful for any defense this season. I think he has a real chance to be one of the top players on the Island,\u201d added Spisto. Juneek Daniels is the man in the middle for Eagle and at 6-4 he gives the Stapleton school some more height. \u201cJuneek is a major contributor at both ends of the floor and having him and Anthony in the game at the same time can give any team headaches in the paint,\u201d said Spisto.<\/p>\n

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\"SquaringMcKee\/Staten Island Tech senior Nizayah Jordan canned 53 three-pointers during the 2024-25 season.(Advance\/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

McKEE\/STATEN ISLAND TECH<\/p>\n

Head coach: Charlie Donohue, 19th season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 11-15 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Nizayah Jordan (6-0, Sr.); Terence Legrand (5-8, Sr.); Lucas Gavin (6-3, Sr.); Dalton Cherubin (6-2, Sr.); Jayden Lin (5-8, Sr.); Jayden Chen (6-0, Jr.); William Slocum (6-5, Sr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Senior Nizayah Jordan was the Seagulls\u2019 leading scorer a year ago with an average of 17.4 ppg and 53 three-pointers. Both categories were among Staten Island\u2019s leaders. Jordan, a three-year varsity player, is capable of putting the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. \u201c(Jordan) is closing in on 1,000 points and we\u2019re going to need him to do a lot for us this season,\u2019’ said long-time MSIT head coach Charlie Donohue. \u201dHe has the ability to score in a variety of ways, but he\u2019s also a facilitator who\u2019s like another coach on the floor for us.\u2019’ Senior Terence Legrand (3.4 ppg, 12 treys last season) will handle point guard duties for the Seagulls. \u201cWe\u2019re going to need him to handle the ball and score,\u2019’ the head coach said of Legrand. Seniors Dalton Cherubin (6.9 ppg last season, season-high 16 points twice), who just returned from football, and Lucas Gavin (3.5 ppg), will be counted on to give the Seagulls an interior presence. \u201cThey need to bang on the boards for us. We need them to rebound,\u2019’ said Donohue. \u201dThey\u2019ll definitely have bigger roles for us this year.\u2019’ Guard Jayden Lin and forward Jayden Chen, a JV call-up at mid-season a year ago, will also see a role increase this season. Donohue referred to 6-foot-5 William Slocum as MSIT\u2019s \u201cwildcard.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s his first time playing organized basketball and he\u2019s got to figure out (the finer points of the game) first,\u201d said Donohue. \u201cHe\u2019s athletic, has a decent skill set and has speed, but he\u2019s raw. We\u2019re hoping he picks things up quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\"ReturningNew Dorp senior Omari Onwe was the Centrals’ leading scorer during the 2024-25 season with an average of 14.6 ppg.(Advance\/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

NEW DORP<\/p>\n

Head coach: Pat Hopkins, 17th season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 12-10 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Omari Onwe (6-1, Sr.); Elijah Pizarro (5-8, Sr.); Josh Carter (6-1, Sr.); Billy Fraser (6-1, Sr.); James Flores (5-10, Sr.); Rocco Fiorenza (5-10, So.); Sergio Batista (5-9, Jr.); Vinny Fiorenza (6-1, Sr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: The Centrals bring back a host of returning starters who gave them a considerable amount of firepower on the offensive end. In fact, Omari Onwe, Elijah Pizarro, Josh Carter and Billy Fraser combined to average 39.1 ppg. with 68 three-pointers last season. Onwe, who averaged a team-high 14.6 ppg with a career-high 26 points a year ago, is a slasher with a good perimeter shot and he has the knack for making good passes. \u201cHe brings us a ton of experience from last year \u2014 I don\u2019t think we took him off the floor (his junior year),\u2019’ said head coach Pat Hopkins. \u201cHe\u2019s a quiet leader who\u2019s been tested. We\u2019re hoping he produces even more this season and he certainly has the ability to do that.\u2019’ Pizarro (7.7 ppg., 21 treys, season-high 15 points twice) was New Dorp\u2019s starting point guard last season and he\u2019ll be spelled by junior guard Sergio Batista. \u201cThey\u2019ll be our primary ball-handlers and they\u2019re both gifted facilitators,\u2019’ said Hopkins, noting Batista would play shooting guard if they\u2019re in the game at the same time. \u201dThey\u2019re also great perimeter shooters and constantly helping each other get better by going up against each other every time we practice.\u2019’ Carter (9.4 ppg., 10 treys, season-high 20 points), meanwhile, plays bigger than his 6-foot-1 frame indicates. \u201c(Carter) will definitely give us some muscle and an inside presence,\u2019’ the head coach added. \u201d Fraser (7.4 ppg., 28 treys, season-high 30 points) and Vinny Fiorenza (20 treys, season-high 15 points) are both solid three-point shooters who look unstoppable when they get hot. \u201cThey\u2019re tough to guard, especially when they\u2019re on the floor at the same time,\u2019’ the coach said. \u201dThey can be deadly from three.\u2019’ James Flores (3.1 ppg. last season) has improved dramatically from a year ago and is battling for a starting position. \u201cHe had an unbelievable off-season,\u2019’ said Hopkins, noting Flores will play shooting guard this season after mostly playing the point when he entered games a year ago. \u201dHe worked on his jump shot and he\u2019s a great on-ball defender. It really is remarkable on how much he\u2019s improved.\u2019’ Rocco Fiorenza is a sophomore and will vie for time off the bench.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\"ToPetrides’ Kareem Nesbitt (0) is a three-year varsity player who averaged 10.3 ppg as a sophomore last season.(Advance\/SILive.com | Annie De Biase)<\/p>\n

PETRIDES <\/p>\n

Head coach: Nick Lezoli, eighth season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 8-16 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Kareem Nesbitt (6-0, Jr.); Malachi Rowland (5-8, Jr.); Tyler Chapman (6-2, Jr.); Sonyboy Zintamus (5-8, Jr.); Aiden Gonzalez (5-9, Jr.); Darien Niles (6-2, Jr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Kareem Nesbitt averaged 10.3 ppg a year ago as a sophomore and the forward will lead a very young group of Panthers into the 2025-26 season. \u201cKareem is entering his third year on varsity and he is a player who does a little bit of everything on the floor,\u201d said head coach Nick Lezoli, who\u2019ll put a roster of 12 juniors on the floor in 2025-26. \u201cHe\u2019s gotten bigger and stronger and can defend multiple positions on the floor and score from all three levels.\u201d Malachi Rowland (16.3 ppg, 53 treys last year) will lead the offense at the point spot. \u201cHe\u2019s our floor general and we will look to him to run our offense and get the guys involved,\u201d offered Lezoli. \u201cMalachi is also a legitimate threat from the perimeter.\u201d Big man Tyler Chapman saw action as a sophomore and Lezoli is optimistic in the contributions he can make this season. \u201cTyler is long and athletic and he will be tasked with defending the rim, while also contesting dribble drives,\u201d Lezoli quipped. \u201cHe has added a bit of a mid-range game and has the ability to rebound at both ends of the floor.\u201d JV grads that will be making the jump to the big club this year include Sonyboy Zintamus, Aiden Gonzalez and Darien Niles. \u201cSonyboy can step in as a (shooting guard or forward). He\u2019s athletic, quick and tough and will be one of our best defenders, while also being able to push the ball in transition,\u201d stated Lezoli. \u201cAiden is another guard, who can handle the ball and score in many ways. He is a smart player, who makes good decisions on the floor and will make his impact on defense as well. \u201dDarien will be one of our bigs and he has gotten stronger and more confident from last season,” explained Lezoli. \u201cHe plays with toughness and grit and we\u2019ll use him in screen-and-roll actions. He will also be tasked with defending the paint and rebounding.\u201d Lezoli would like to get his program back to where they were in 2023-24 when the Panthers shared the Island PSAL 3A title, but he knows there may be some growing pains with his underclassmen. \u201cI expect us to go through some growing pains as a young team, but we have a bit of \u201ddog” in us and if we defend I feel we will be in games,” admitted Lezoli.<\/p>\n

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\"VeteranPort Richmond head coach Jeremy Smalls, center, will rely on three-year varsity play Kasiem Cromwell (not pictured) to be an impact player during the 2025-26 season.(Advance\/SILive.com | Charlie De Biase Jr.)<\/p>\n

PORT RICHMOND<\/p>\n

Head coach: Jeremy Smalls, 10th season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 11-13 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Kasiem Cromwell (6-3, Sr.); Aaron Bramble (6-2, Sr.); Dyshawn Cartagena (6-2, Jr.); Emmanuel Gay (5-9, Sr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: The Raiders lost a lot of firepower offensively and head coach Jeremy Smalls is hoping Kasiem Cromwell \u2014 a returning starter who averaged 7.5 ppg a year ago \u2014 can double his output during his senior season. Cromwell, who plays bigger than his 6-3 frame, is a three-year varsity player and two-year starter. \u201cHe always plays hard, he defends and rebounds very well,\u2019’ said Smalls of Cromwell, who won the Fugazzi Award as Staten Island\u2019s top HS football player a year ago. \u201dWe lost a lot of scoring and he\u2019s a big piece we\u2019re going to build around. We\u2019re hoping can double his numbers \u2014 14 points and seven rebounds a game. If he improves on his free-throw shooting, we think he will.” Aaron Bramble\u2018s role will increase from last season, when he averaged 4.8 ppg. \u201cHe played more than most of the guys we have returning, but was in a limited role last season,\u2019’ explained Smalls. \u201dHe has the ability to shoot the three, attack the basket and do a little bit of everything. We\u2019re going to need him to score as well.\u2019’ Dyshawn Cartagena and Emmanuel Gay are also expected to be a big part of the Raiders\u2019 rotation this season. \u201c(Cartagena) is a wing who will contribute on offense for us. He can get to the basket and knock down shots from the outside,\u2019’ the head coach said. \u201dAnd (Gay) is a combo guard and a four-year program player. We\u2019re hoping for offensive contributions and some leadership from him.\u2019’<\/p>\n

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\"ReturningSusan Wagner senior Charles Gambino (23) is a forward with guard skills, according to Falcons’ head coach Danny Lanigan. (Advance\/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

SUSAN WAGNER<\/p>\n

Head coach: Danny Lanigan, second season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 15-13 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 4A Brooklyn-Staten Island II <\/p>\n

Players to watch: Chris Albano (6-2, Sr.); Darin Humes-James (6-0, Sr.); Charles Gambino (6-2, Sr.); Adem Djonbalic (6-3, Sr.); Clevi Hoxha (6-1, Jr.); Yusef Daramy (6-2, Sr.); Jimmy Eisenhardt (5-10, Sr.); Brayden Louisson (5-10, Fr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Point guard Chris Albano is a three-year varsity player who is entering his second year as a starter. He averaged 11.1 ppg with 39 three-pointers a year ago. He scored a career-high 20 points in two of SW\u2019s last three games, including against St. Peter\u2019s in the SIHSL Tourney semifinals. \u201cI think that semifinal game against St. Peter\u2019s was his coming out game that has carried over into this season,\u2019’ said SW head coach Danny Lanigan. \u201dHe had a great summer with his AAU team. He can score in various ways; finish in traffic; handle the ball; create for his teammates; rebound and he\u2019s sneaky long, which helps him deflect passes and get steals. I think he\u2019s one of the best players in the city.\u2019’ Albano has plenty of help in returning senior starters Darin Humes-James (5.8 ppg last year) and Charles Gambino (5.1 ppg). Both players gained invaluable experience a year ago and are ready to play bigger roles, according to the coach. \u201c(Humes-James) is a three-year varsity player who has gotten better each season. We\u2019re going to rely on him to do all the little things like rebound and defend, but we think he\u2019s someone who will score more this season as well,\u2019’ said Lanigan. \u201dAnd although (Gambino) is our only true starting forward, it doesn\u2019t mean he doesn\u2019t have guard skills. He\u2019s grown a great deal offensively. He\u2019s been one of our better shooters in the pre-season.\u2019’ Junior Clevi Hoxha, who was a rotation guy a year ago, has earned a starting spot this season. \u201cHe too benefitted greatly from being in our rotation last year and his role will increase substantially,\u2019’ the coach said. \u201dHe\u2019s our deepest shooting threat, has excellent court vision and he\u2019s a high-intensity defender.\u2019’ Adem Djonbalic, a St. Peter\u2019s transfer with a dangerous three-point shot, has fit in nicely with the Falcons. \u201cHe\u2019s been ultra impressive with his leadership skills and high IQ,\u2019’ Lanigan said. \u201dHe\u2019s added to our strength of three-point shooting. He\u2019ll stretch the floor with his range.\u2019’ Seniors Yusuf Daramy and Jimmy Eisenhardt, as well as freshman Brayden Louisson, give the Falcons solid help off the bench. \u201cThey perfectly complement the guys who start,\u2019’ Lanigan said. \u201d(Eisenhardt) can shoot; (Daramy) is a forward off the bench who can help us rebound and (Louisson) has great court vision and is a physical defender for a freshman. They\u2019re going to help.\u2019’<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\"PiratesTottenville senior Shiloh Ezderman (4) will give the Pirates an interior presence during the 2025-26 season.(Advance\/SILive.com | Jason Paderon)<\/p>\n

TOTTENVILLE<\/p>\n

Head coach: Kevin Alesi, seventh season<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 14-11 overall<\/p>\n

PSAL Division: 3A Staten Island<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Danny Garcia (6-0, Sr.); Elias Souleidis (6-4, Sr.); Shiloh Ezderman (6-3, Sr.); Michael Cinque (6-0, Jr.); Antonio Tarantino (5-7, Jr.); Nicholas Picinic (6-0, Sr.); Zyeveon Miller (6-1, Jr.).<\/p>\n

Outlook: Senior point man Danny Garcia had a solid 2024-25 (16.3 ppg.) for the Pirates after transferring in from Monsignor Farrell and will be looked on to carry the team once again this year. \u201cWe put a lot on Danny, but he is capable of carrying us and taking over games,\u201d admitted head coach Kevin Alesi. The veteran head coach will also benefit from the return of Elias Souleidis who missed all of 2024-25 due to a knee injury. \u201cHe had a great offseason and we expect him to rebound and make a lot of layups this year.\u201d Shiloh Ezderman is another long senior who should see plenty of action. \u201cShiloh is very athletic and had some key moments for us last year. We expect contributions from him this season as well,\u201d stated Alesi. \u201cMichael Cinque is a glue guy who can play multiple positions because of his toughness and intelligence,” said Alesi. He also expects the same out of another senior in Nick Picinic. \u201cNick is a program player,\u201d said Alesi. \u201cHe is a solid shooter with sneaky athleticism; we expect him to have a good season as a rotational player.\u201d The Huguenot program scored big with Garcia as a transfer a year ago and Alesi is banking on another pair of newcomers to elevate the program. Antonio Tarantino is another Farrell import and Alesi likens him to steady Rocco Curatolo, who was a key member of the team\u2019s 2023-24 SIHSL runner-up squad. \u201cWe\u2019re super excited to have Antonio with us; he is exactly the type of player Rocco was (does a little bit of everything) and those are the guy\u2019s you need. Alesi characterizes Zyeveon Miller, a transfer from Georgia, as a potential X-factor. \u201dHe brings a lot of skill to our team and if we can unlock his potential I feel we will be in a very good spot to compete.” Tottenville is looking to continue to build on the momentum of the last two campaigns. The Pirates had a solid 2023-24 season, while sharing the Island 3A title a year ago. \u201cBeing consistent with practice and understanding the little details that win and lose close games will be key for us this year,\u201d said Alesi. \u201cJust like we felt in the last two seasons, we can win any game and we can also lose any game. We have to build confidence and manage egos as well,\u201d added Alesi.<\/p>\n

(Staten Island Advance\/SILive.com freelancer James Speciale contributed to this report)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Once again, Curtis and Susan Wagner\u2019s home-and-home series will take place in the blink…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":52994,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-52993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-staten-island","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-staten-island","tag-staten-island-headlines","tag-staten-island-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52993"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52993\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}