Injuries to several key players that kept them off the court for extended periods prevented the Huntington varsity boys’ basketball team from reaching its competitive goals this winter. But the Blue Devil program did take several giant leaps forward as coaches and players continue striving to become a playoff contender.
A month of open gyms prepped players interested in trying out for the varsity, junior varsity and Finley Middle School teams. Varsity players participated in a fall league and got into the groove of coming together as a singular unit.
Multiple starters were out of action for at least a quarter of the season. The Blue Devils dropped many close games to teams that reached the Suffolk playoffs. In several other contests, Huntington allowed double digit leads to slip through their fingers.
“All of those close games showed that we were competitive all year long,” said Jordan Ioviero, Huntington’s first year head coach. “Usually a losing team puts their heads down, but not us. We had so much fun all year and really created a family atmosphere.
The Blue Devils made the season fun. There was a team dinner prior to the first game at Sumurai as the squad enjoyed a tasty hibachi meal. The family of senior Matt Girimonti and sophomore Charles Girimonti hosted a pasta party at their house. Huntington did some scouting together as a team.
The Blue Devils were dressed in team coordinated sneakers, socks and warmups. There were a pair of pizza parties for “taking charges in games.” There were also bagel parties and a fun three on three tournament during the holiday break.
“We had a great Youth Night, which drew about 30 of the best players from Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull Intermediate School,” said Ioviero, who assisted by Todd Jamison. “We distributed white and blue Huntington basketball shirts to everyone and when the halftime games were over, the kids enjoyed a pizza party in the gym.”
The Youth Night drew what might have been the largest crowd of the season. “The kids were on the court for the player introductions and the national anthem,” Ioviero said.
The kids got to play at halftime and come on the court for introductions and the national anthem. “Our seniors really bought into their role by going to Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and Woodhull and promoting the night,” Ioviero said.
The Blue Devils hosted Senior Night at the final home game with Ioviero speaking at length about each of the twelfth graders, including Matt Girimonti, Omari Stephen, Lex Colato, Danya Danziger, Renato Erek, Jack Monahan and Michael Wright.
“We’re looking ahead to a fun off season of team activities,” Ioviero said. Huntington players plan to participate in spring, summer and fall leagues along with intramurals and team weight room sessions.
“I’m proud of our players for learning an entirely new playbook and competing night in and night out,” Ioviero said. “They kept their heads up and battled each game. One thing countless people have said about our team, including other coaches and officials is that our players compete and that it’s clear that Huntington basketball is moving in the right direction. We are making strides and I know that because of all of our hard work there will be a stronger love of the game in our district.”
The Blue Devils will return Adrian Brooks, Anley Casimir, Dylan Coleman, Kevin Drake, Charles Girimonti, Zach Gordon, Max Rentsch and Henry Vohs next winter.
“We will continue to work hard so that we can accomplish our goal, which remains the same; make the playoffs,” Ioviero said. “With eight players returning next year, five of which are tenth graders, the future is bright for our program.”
