Coach Alex Nelson was pleased that his J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ basketball team made strides this winter, improving in every aspect of the game.
The 18-player team was led by seventh grade point guard Thomas Girimonti (averaged eight points per game), eighth grade power forward Shane Luckow (seven points per game) and eighth grade center Nicholas Sineno (six points per game).
“Thomas was our top point guard,” Nelson said. “His technical skill with the ball is the most impressive on the team. However, what separates him from everyone else is his basketball IQ on offense and defense.”
Luckow turned in a string of fine performances. “Shane was an absolute force driving with the ball and inside the paint,” Nelson said. “He led the team in points after contact. Even fouling him could not stop him.”
Sineno was also superb. “Nick was a bull on offense and defense,” Nelson said. “He is most dangerous inside the paint, but could also pose as a threat on the outside with his beautiful mid-range jump shot.”
Sineno and Michael Mugno served as Finley’s team captains. The Blue Devils played a 10 game schedule and were competitive throughout the year.
The squad’s roster also included seventh graders Harrison Baliber, Theodore Dannhauser, Christopher Grover, Peter Leavy, Nicholas Rosan, Nicholas Sclafani and Eli Soric and eighth graders Agostino Abbatiello, Sammy Mac Arner, Peter Breingan, Dylan Dougal, Michael Kline, Jack Koopman and Michael Queen. Everyone play and added something to the team’s success.
“The best team accomplishment was the boys’ ability to never give up,” Nelson said. “We played extremely tough competition throughout the season and the boys would always battle it out, no matter what. They showed great heart and grit regardless of what the score was or who the opponent was.”