H-ton Boys’ Basketball Maintains Competitiveness

The Huntington varsity boys’ basketball closed out its season with the comfort of knowing it was much more competitive than many thought it would be. That’s a credit to the Blue Devil players and coaches who worked so hard to win games this past winter.

Huntington was captained by seniors Tom Girimonti, Harry Baliber and Jayson Colato and coached by Peter Lipka and Kevin Thorbourne.

The Blue Devils won five games and came very close in four others, frequently leading at halftime, sometimes, by double figures, before falling in the end.

Girimonti and fellow senior Dan McNulty led the team from the guard positions with Girimonti averaging 17 points and McNulty 10. Jordan Thorbourne led in rebounds.

“Tom did it all for the boys’ basketball team,” Lipka said. “He was our leading scorer and leading assist guy and was challenged with guarding all five positions on defense.” Girimonti was named to the All-League team.

McNulty also turned in a great season. “Dan was physically imposing,” Lipka said. “He was a great scorer, especially in transition, and helped us win games.”

The highlight of the season game in a 69-62 victory over Bellport. There were some tough losses throughout the campaign by scores of 63-59, 41-40, 51-46 and 46-44.

“The team improved from the year prior,” Lipka said. “Collectively we played better as a team and had more positive contributions from more players overall.”

The leading returnees next season look to be Justin D’Eloia, James Vohs, Jordan Thorbourne, Nick Normoyle and Shariff Penalo. “The forecast will be to continually build continuity and a culture that improves skills and confidence.

Lipka said the goal is to win at least eight conference games next winter and qualify for the county playoffs.