Blue Devil JV Boys' Hoops Set Foundation
If the Huntington High School boys' basketball program returns to championship form during the next three years, it will be at least partly due to the players who helped last winter's Blue Devil boys' JV hoops squad compile a 12-2 league record.
Huntington was led by Alex Castillo, Scott Gulizio, Jacob Watkins and Daryl Daniels. The squad featured "incredible team rapport" and "grew tremendously in terms of basketball knowledge and fundamentals," head coach Ed Lein said.
The team went through a period of adjustment when captains Lee Reiver and Kevin Montefusco were called up to the varsity midway through the season. Lein quickly reoriented his squad and the Blue Devils responded by going 6-1 over the next seven games.
"Alex Castillo took over as point guard following the call-up of Lee to the varsity," Lein said. "He led by example and became the team leader. He ran the offense and set the tempo of the game. He's a complete player in terms of basketball knowledge, fundamentals, defense and leadership." Castillo captained Huntington and led the team in assists.
Gulizio excelled from at his guard position. "He's an extremely talented and coachable player who has the ability to become a dominant force on the varsity level in the years to come," Lein said. "He has strong fundamentals and a desire to learn. Scott has knowledge of the game that can't be taught."
Watkins, another speedy guard with the ability to take over a game and dominate, "has all the tools to become a valuable part of the program for years to come," Lein said. "He's a natural dribbler with great crossover and natural ability to penetrate and create."
Many Huntington players shined during the season. Daniels is an all-around strong player who can shoot, rebound and penetrate. Matt Reed is a strong post player with a knack for rebounding. Ben Kocis is another strong rebounder and inside presence.
Y'Majesty Allen appears to have a bright future, too. "He's an extremely talented player with remarkable athleticism," Lein said. "He missed most of the season due to a broken leg, but showed his dominance upon his return during the last two games. He has the potential to dominate at the varsity level."
Troy Greene, an extremely powerful and athletic player, led the Blue Devils in rebounds. "He's a strong rebounder and physical presence," Lein said. "Troy has a great sense of humor that contributed to a great environment. He's always positive and has the raw talent to contribute in the years to come."
Lein was pleased with his squad and said the team "improved throughout the season through dedication and hard work." The Blue Devils "constantly looked to improve the play of not only themselves, but each other," the coach said. "The players were selfless and consistently strove to help one another. Every member of the team contributed to its success."
Next year's forecast will remain fuzzy until it is clear which players will make the varsity and which will be on the JV team. "Several players have the talent, ability and work ethic to contribute to the Huntington basketball program for the remainder of their time in high school," Lein said.