The St Anthony’s boys’ varsity basketball team is revamped and poised for a successful 2017-18 season. With conference games starting this week, the Friars are filled with determination and grit, ready to take on the league.
Here’s a link to head coach Sal Lagano’s pre-season interview:
The Friars have high aspirations for this upcoming season, and they look to build off the success that they’ve had in prior years. Coach Lagano emphasized the teams high expectations, “Anytime you set out in a season you’re looking to get to a championship. I think our expectations are for us to stay on top of the rankings in Long Island.”
Assistant coach Brian Reichert reiterated Lagano’s expectations, “We believe this team will win the title this year and compete for a state title.” Reichert also noted, “Defense and ball movement are the most important things the team needs to do to be successful.”
The Friars will be led by double-double machine, Tyrone Lyons, and sharpshooter Jon Harewood. The two seniors averaged 13.9 and 16.7 points per game respectively. Harewood scored in double figures twenty times and Lyons posted eleven recorded double-doubles last season. Harewood scored a season-high 36 points and Lyons grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds in a 64-62 overtime victory thriller at Chaminade. This powerhouse duo will lead the Friars this season, hoping to make it to another State Championship.
One of the more intriguing matchups on the schedule is against St. Anthony’s longtime rival, Chaminade. Lagano describes described the game as “a big matchup.”
The Friars’ season last year ended abruptly when Chaminade, defeated the Friars by a final score of 66-50 in the CHSAA semifinals. Losing in the playoffs is never easy; losing to your rival is even worse. The defeat has fueled the team’s passion and has motivated them to reign victorious once again in the CHSAA. The Friars are eager for the start of a new season, and they would love nothing more than to see a different result in the playoffs.
St. Anthony’s and Chaminade are ranked second and third in the rankings on Long Island respectively. NYC Hoops gives high praise to this robust Friars squad. St Anthony’s is ranked #3 in the preseason ranking and this is just another prime example of how talented this roster is. This team is universally recognized as a force-to-be-reckoned-with.
However, the season will not come without its obstacles—the Friars already lost senior Conor Ryan to a shoulder injury. Coach Lagano had nothing but high praise for Ryan. Lagano pointed out, “Conor is an emotional leader out there, he’s the hardest working kid in the gym. We will miss him daily more than just on game day.” It won’t be easy to replace Ryan, but the Friars will need someone to step up and fill that void.
It should be a fun year with expectations through the roof. These Friars have their eyes on the prize and will not let anything get in their path. This team has the talent and athleticism on the court, the leadership of the coaching staff, and the support of the Friar Faithful.
About The Authors:
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Greg Law Greg Law is a Junior at Saint Anthony’s High School, writing for his third year with the Friar Scoreboard. He is on the Golf team and is a member of the Student Council and NHS. |
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Gabe Angieri Gabe is a junior at St. Anthony’s high school, writing for his second year with Friar Scoreboard. He is also a member of Friar Faithful, SALT, and NHS. |
