Blue Devil Unified Basketball Tops John H. Glenn

The Huntington High School Unified basketball team made history on Tuesday afternoon, topping John H. Glenn to record the first win in the Blue Devil program’s history.

“It was a total team effort that was made possible by the hard work and dedication of all of our coaches and players,” head coach Jordan Ioviero said. “For all those in attendance, it was a very special night that will not be forgotten. Tonight’s win was an inclusive and collaborative effort among the entire team. The gym was filled with excitement as all the players competed and shined throughout the night.”

Superintendent James W. Polansky was among the fans in the gym and he offered the team his congratulations during a post-game gathering of the squad.

Huntington’s leading scorers were Alexander Morris and Kei Shan Miller. “Alexander had several key rebounds and baskets to help lead us to our first victory,” Ioviero said. “Kei Shan has shown time and time again that he leads not only by helping our team fill the stat lines, but also by the kindness and compassion he demonstrates both on and off the court. He truly does all he can to help his teammates have their moments to shine.”

Baskets were also scored by Tyler Peck, Abigail Gerberg, Roodes Similean, Daniel McClellan, Luca DiPietro, Camilla D’Anna, Sebastian Romero, Jake Cordes and Maria Verfenstein.

“Hannah Kaufman, Alisha Harvey and Julianna Ackerman also helped our team get the win by making several plays throughout the game,” Ioviero said.

The squad has been working hard at its practice sessions and it all came together this week for the first win in the team’s history.

“Joe Algieri has gone above and beyond for our team and has led our team with class,” Ioviero said. “He has helped recruit players for us and has been to almost every practice assisting his teammates in any way he can. Tonight, it seemed like he got every rebound and always got the ball to a player to help them score. With that being said, he led our team in rebounding and assists.”

Ioviero also expressed his thanks to Franklin Granados, Evan Spagnoletti, Lucas Spagnoletti, Riley LaCosta, Ella Ackerman, Victoria Befumo and Ruby Baliber “for all their hard work and dedication to our program. They are making a big difference and I am very thankful for all they do.”

Maikol Arrega and Avante Williams-Samuel were both unable to make the game, “but they have been working very hard in practices and our first game and I would like to highlight them as well,” Ioviero said.

In addition to all the players who have participated in games, there are about 10 other students who have come to practice whenever they’ve been available to help the team improve.

Fans loved every minute of the game and celebrated with the Huntington players when the final horn sounded.

“Our players competed on the court and cheered for their teammates when they were off the court,” Ioviero said. “When the final horn sounded, our fans, and our team celebrated its first win. I could not be more proud of the hard work and dedication from all of the players. We hope to continue winning as our season progresses.”

The team practices on Wednesday afternoons and plays games on Tuesday and Thursday. “We are still welcoming more students to come and join our program,” Ioviero said. “The more we have, the better. Even if you do not plan on participating, we encourage anyone who reads this to come and support our team. We have two more home games and we would love to pack out the stands.”

Huntington plays Half Hollow Hills West today (Thursday, May 11) and Walt Whitman on Thursday, May 18.

Interested in getting involved with the Blue Devil Unified basketball team? Send a message to Coach Ioviero at jioviero@hufsd.edu.