The team tied for the Class B League title last season for the first time since 1994, losing a heartbreaker in the first round of the playoffs at Woodlands, 50-47.
By Melanie Cane
The team tied for the Class B League title last season for the first time since 1994, losing a heartbreaker in the first round of the playoffs at Woodlands, 50-47.
Nine players from that successful team are back, including four starters. This year’s captain, Matt Franks, a senior, led the team in scoring and rebounding last season, and was named All-League and All-Conference. He is 166 points away from reaching the 1,000-point milestone. The other returning starters include Chris Pennell and Ryan Aquino, who were also named All-League, and Chris Cascione, All-League Honorable Mention.
The five other returning players — Matt Garcia, Angelo Spedafino, Jakob Calvini, and Michael Bianco, all seniors, and Jake Sevean, a junior — are also vital contributors to the team. Rounding out the roster for this season are newcomers Sal Valencia, Jack Webber, Lukas Corona, and Dan Villegas.
Coach Christopher Lincoln has high expectations for the season. “Our depth and experience will be key factors, especially with important early-season games against rivals Pleasantville, Irvington, Westlake, and Hastings, as well as league games against Keio and Alexander Hamilton.” He continued, “If we can play with patience and unselfishness on the offensive end, and combine that with consistent maximum effort in both defense and rebounding, we’re poised to improve upon our successes from last season.”
In their home opener December 10, the Panthers topped Pleasantville 53-42. Franks had a game high 17 points.
