The Friars boys basketball teams opened home league play on January 10th with a triple header vs. Kellenberg in front of the home crowd. St. Anthony’s boys basketball programs showed exceptional promise and determination for the future. SA would go on to win two of the three games that night.
A young freshmen team opened the night with a 48-33 victory displaying a very high basketball IQ. This group of young men have a solid command of the floor and spacing as they continue to gel together now boasting a 7-4 overall record. The starting five of Jack Uvena, Dillon Mehta, Kayden Taylor, Dante Torres and Caleb Aurelien communicated well each play and as they took the bench periodically player after player all showed a strength and a level of confidence that over the next three years will be exciting to watch. Mehta led the team this night with 26 points.
Next was the JV squad that carries all sophomores and now, two new freshmen forward Billy Donovan and guard Ian Strong who were recently moved up. Losing 56-47 does not tell the truth on how this young team can play. Their style is fast paced and on this night led to one to many turnovers. Met with an aggressive style from the Firebirds the fouls and turnovers dominated the game for St. Anthony’s leaving them short of the win. With two new players this squad will need more time to gel and show how they can command the floor. Guards Richard Hosein and Joshua Rodgrigues led the team with 11 and 10 points respectfully.
The night was capped off with an exciting 70-40 victory for the varsity squad. They currently hold an 8-3 record. The Friars were led by star forward Andre Snoddy who had a game high 20 points. Jack Garvey poured in 17 really adding a spark to the Friars offense. The game started off with both teams trading baskets. The Friars ended the 1st quarter up 16-11. In the 2nd quarter St. Anthony’s offense came alive. Jack Garvey scored 9 of his 17 points this quarter. It seemed whatever shot he took went in. Garvey said, “It was all hard work. Everyone on the team puts in a lot of hours
practicing and I believe hard work pays off.”
At the half SA would head into the locker room up 14. This lead would balloon to 22 at the end of the 3rd quarter as the Friars continued their dominance. Coach Lagano said, “I told them the first four minutes were key if we let them back into the game they take control of the momentum and it is a new game but our guys did a great job of not letting that happen.” Coach Lagano was able to put some of his younger players such as Cameron Depetris who led the quarter with 5 points. Snoddy stated, “We wanted it more than them and we were ready from the jump. We maintained a high level of energy throughout the game.”
The CHSAA is a strong basketball league with teams such as Trinity, Chaminade and St. Marys providing a challenge for the Friars as all are able to win on any given night. Opening strong was important and this night displayed a deep varsity team and gave us a view of the young talent in the whole program. League play will be exciting every night do not miss a game!
Schedule is at https://friarathletics.org/main/teamschedule/id/3745453/seasonid/4388140
Alex Rocco is a senior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his fourth year with the Friar Scoreboard. He plans to study Sports Communications in college and pursue a career in Sports Media. He is also a member of NHS, SALT, Friar Faithful, Special Needs Ministry and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
