Finley Boys' Basketball-7
Finishes at 9-1
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School seventh grade boys' basketball team won nine-of-ten games this winter under head coach Rick Agnello.
The 16-player Falcon squad was captained by Joe Walsh, Nate Amato, Anthony McDonald and Matt O'Brien. Finley won its first nine consecutive games before falling to a rugged Deer Park team that the Falcons turned back earlier in the season, 48-46.
Finley had a strong core group of players. Amato played point guard and "excelled at every aspect of the game," Agnello said. The budding star was the team's leading scorer.
O'Brien, who led the team in rebounds, was asked to guard bigger players "and he always battled," Agnello said. "He is an excellent rebounder, finished well and is a great defender."
Walsh demonstrated an "amazing knowledge of the game," Agnello said. The point guard is a good passer and shooter and a "great" leader on the court, the coach added. Agnello called McDonald a "tough kid and good leader."
Mike Abbondandelo also shined, excelling at driving to the basket and displaying exceptional defensive skills. Tanner Germain stood-out as the "best on-ball defender on the team," Agnello said.
The highlight of the season came when Finley stormed back from a 20 point deficit against Commack. Down by six points with 39-seconds remaining in the game, the Falcons continued their comeback, which was complete when Amato hit a buzzer-beater to give the team a one-point victory.
"It was a great group of boys and I am very proud of their accomplishments," Agnello said. "They worked hard and never backed down."
Heading into the final contest with a 9-0 mark, Finley was without the services of Alex Labella and Tanner Germain. Without the pair, the Falcons fell in a high-scoring game, 67-61, a remarkable point total for a middle school match-up. "I think we could have had an undefeated season," Agnello said.