Talented Trio Paces Finley-White Boys’ Basketball

Ivano Naccarato transitioned into a new role this winter as a Finley Middle School boys’ basketball coach and the 16 players on the team responded positively by playing hard for the Woodhull Intermediate School teacher.

Finley’s school colors are blue and white, like the rest of Huntington UFSD. As such, Section XI designated one of Finley’s two boys’ basketball teams as “blue” and the other as “white.” Naccarato’s squad was designated as the “white” team.

The roster included seventh graders Nathan Falk, Xavion Greene, Daniel Kasindorf, Joshua Koiyet, Shane LeGrow and Harrison McIntyre and eighth graders Cameron Batts, Gian Karlos Bracero, Rhys Carrillo, Charlie Cirlincione, Aidan Collins, Micah Cummings, Michael Grover, Timothy Hardge, Marco Antonio Salas and Ryan Welter. Cirlincione averaged eight points per game to lead the team in scoring. Collins led the squad in rebounds with five per contest.

Naccarato said the top players included Braceros, Cirlincione and Salas. “Gian Karlos Braceros was the team coordinator,” said the coach about the teenage guard. “He communicated all calls and changes, making sure that every layer on the court understands the plays and knows where they should be. Gian Karlos was able to change the pace of the game by slowing down the temp when needed.”

Cirlincione and Salas both starred at forward. “Charlie Cirlincione was an excellent shooter,” Naccarato said. “His aggressiveness on defense caused many turnovers throughout the season. Charlie scored many fast break points because of his caused turnovers.”

Salas also made an impact on the court. “Marco Salas is an all-around great player,” Naccarato said. “His ability to change gears and speeds helped us get back into games. Marco was a great leader as well as making sure all of his teammates were warmed up before games by leading them in the pre-game warm ups.”

The team’s win over Babylon was the highlight of the season. “Every player contributed by giving 100 percent every period,” Naccarato said. “We valued every possession and defended well. Even though we started off the season with a losing record, the boys showed up to practice every day and work very hard to win. They never gave up and continued to grow throughout the season. It was amazing seeing some of my players show great improvement to earn a starting five spot in the rotation.”

The team worked well together. “It was incredible to see how all the players improved since the first day of practice,” Naccarato said. “All 16 players were determined to get better and gave it their all during practice. Our seventh graders are ready to be the leaders of next year’s team by filling in some big shoes and bringing this team to the top.”