{"id":54640,"date":"2025-11-28T11:54:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T11:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/54640\/"},"modified":"2025-11-28T11:54:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T11:54:10","slug":"staten-island-hs-girls-basketball-previews-2025-26-can-sea-moore-repeat-last-years-success-what-about-nda-hill-and-sia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/54640\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island HS girls\u2019 basketball previews 2025-26: Can Sea, Moore repeat last year\u2019s success? What about NDA, Hill and SIA?"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.\u2014 The high school basketball season is upon us, and the borough\u2019s Catholic\/private schools are each poised to make some noise in their respective CHSAA\/ACIS divisions this year.<\/p>\n

St. Joseph by-the-Sea — the lone Staten Island program competing in the CHSAA\u2019s top AAA division after re-aligning from AA last season \u2014 captured the Archdiocesan title last year. Now, all eyes are on how the Vikings will defend their championship without Angelina Hodgens \u201925, the standout who set the school record for points in her senior season.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, the 1987 Jacques Award winner as Staten Island\u2019s top basketball talent before going on to star at Villanova University.<\/p>\n

So, with plenty of storylines to keep an eye on headed into the 2025-2026 campaign, here\u2019s a closer look at each program and which players should be making the biggest impacts.<\/p>\n

\"SeaGiovanna 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 <\/p>\n

Head Coach: Josh Suslak, 12th season<\/p>\n

Assistant Coaches: Lisa Capiello, Kassidy Zieris<\/p>\n

2024\u201325 record: 14-10 overall, 9-6 CHSAA AA League<\/p>\n

Players to Watch: Olivia DiMonda (Sr., G), Giovanna Grima (Sr., G), Maria O\u2019Connell (Sr., F), Lina D\u2019Esposito (Sr., F), Brooke Molloy (Sr., F), Isabella Grippo (Sr., G)<\/p>\n

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\u2019Connell, Olivia DiMonda, and Giovanna Grima \u2014 each of whom will go on to play at the college level next year. This year\u2019s group enters the season rooted in toughness and togetherness, with a strong commitment to the defensive end, head coach Josh Suslak shared. \u201cThe 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,\u201d he said. \u201cStill, the team is working extremely hard in every practice to uphold the high standard that has been set for this program.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"StatenMoore 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<\/p>\n

Head Coach: Gene Henderson, seventh season<\/p>\n

Assistant Coaches: Kelly Harden, Amanda Henderson<\/p>\n

2024\u201325 record: 27\u20132 overall, 17\u20130 CHSAA A League<\/p>\n

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)<\/p>\n

Outlook: Moore returns a strong core from last season\u2019s 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. \u201cAllie [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,\u201d Henderson said. Emma Costanzo anchors the backcourt. \u201cEmma runs the team, can shoot it, gets to the rim, and is a solid defender.\u201d Seniors Veronica Barbato and Alyssa Ragona will play key roles in the backcourt rotation. \u201cVeronica shoots well and can get to the rim. Alyssa can play both guard spots and has a good shot,\u201d Henderson noted. The Mavericks also return sophomore twins Olivia and Emma Bruno-Dunn, who made an immediate impact as freshmen. \u201cBoth are athletic,\u201d Henderson said. \u201cEmma can play either guard spot, is a solid shooter, and a great defender \u2014 often guarding the opponent\u2019s best player. Olivia shoots well, gets to the rim, and can really score.\u201d Moore\u2019s 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. \u201cWe\u2019re a very balanced offensive team,\u201d Henderson emphasized. \u201cOur focus is on defending, rebounding, and pushing the ball in transition. We\u2019ve worked hard in the preseason on conditioning so we can play fast, shoot well, and defend. Hopefully we can continue last year\u2019s success and make another run at a championship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"StatenDay 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<\/p>\n

Head Coach: Bobby DellaValle, fifth season<\/p>\n

Assistant Coaches: Steve Benigno, Casey Love, Kevin Swanberg, Briana Van Cleaf<\/p>\n

2024\u201325 record: 15\u20139 overall, 9-5 CHSAA A League<\/p>\n

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,)<\/p>\n

Outlook: The 2025\u201326 season arrives with high expectations after last year\u2019s strong campaign and a hard-fought run to the Archdiocese playoff semifinal. \u201cDespite 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\u2019s 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,\u201d head coach Bobby DellaValle shared. This year\u2019s 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 \u201ca proven perimeter threat whose expanded off-season development now makes her dangerous off the dribble as well.\u201d Expect her to be a major scoring option and a steady veteran presence. Gianna Lorenzo returns as the \u201cteam\u2019s 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.\u201d Ava Manzella brings \u201clength, rebounding, and smart interior play to a guard-heavy rotation. Gianna Montagna is an \u201call-around contributor \u2014an efficient shooter, high-motor defender, and versatile matchup piece who guards multiple positions.\u201c After earning varsity minutes as a freshman, Savannah Breslin enters her second year with poise and confidence. Aliya Monroe has \u201ctaken 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Second-halfHill’s Ella Onesto can shoot it from long distance. (Staten Island Advance\/Annie DeBiase)(Staten Island Advance\/Annie DeBiase)St. Joseph Hill Hilltoppers<\/p>\n

Head coach: Ashley Vogel, second season<\/p>\n

Assistants: Matt Giuliano and Richard Barrett<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 11-2 in CHSAA A League<\/p>\n

Players to watch: Ella Onesto (Sr., F); Lauren Rodriguez. (Jr., G); Kourtney Nugent (Jr., C); Brielle Longo (Jr., F) <\/p>\n

Outlook: \u201cWe\u2019re excited to bring back four key returners from last year\u2019s team,\u201d 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. \u201cWe\u2019re looking for each of them to make a leap this season as they take on expanded roles,\u201d Vogel said. \u201cOur 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.”<\/p>\n

\"BoroughInaugural\u00a0Borough\u00a0President’s\u00a0Cup, 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\u00a0Staten\u00a0Island\u00a0Advance).ACIS LeagueStaten Island Academy Tigers<\/p>\n

Head Coach: Sandy Litkenhaus<\/p>\n

Assistant Coaches: Tori Moylan, Kerri Saputo<\/p>\n

2024-25 record: 20-6 overall<\/p>\n

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.)<\/p>\n

Outlook: The Tigers enter the season with a promising blend of youth, depth, and returning experience in Sandy Litkenhaus\u2019 first season as head coach. Sophomore Valentina Li \u201cbrings valuable height and unique versatility to the lineup.\u201d 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 \u201cexpected to handle much of the point guard responsibility.\u201d Along with Margaret Moschella, the trio forms a \u201cquick, confident, and dynamic guard unit. All three shoot the ball well and bring the type of speed that will help define the team\u2019s tempo. These four young players are poised to make a significant impact.\u201d Junior Chloe Factor adds strength, basketball IQ, and physicality to the rotation. \u201cShe 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.\u201d 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 \u201cbring energy and talent that strengthen the team\u2019s depth across positions. All three are expected to develop into solid, dependable contributors as the season progresses.\u201d With a strong core returning from a team that graduated only one senior, expectations are high. This group\u2019s combination of experience, versatility, and rising young talent positions them well for a successful campaign.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.\u2014 The high school basketball season is upon us, and the borough\u2019s Catholic\/private schools are each…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":54641,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[9,24,63,134,136,135],"class_list":["post-54640","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\/54640","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=54640"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54640\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54641"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54640"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54640"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54640"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}