Staten Island high school basketball showcased thrilling performances over the weekend, highlighted by standout contributions from players like Chris Albano and Nick Rebracca. Both athletes played pivotal roles in leading their respective teams to victories, underscoring their growing prominence in the sport.
Sweeping Victory for Susan Wagner over New Dorp
In a gripping non-league matchup on January 6, 2024, Susan Wagner High School overcame a deficit to secure a 63-55 victory against New Dorp. Chris Albano delivered an impressive performance, scoring nine of his game-high 24 points in the final quarter. His late-game efforts included a crucial three-point play and converting five of seven free throws.
Alongside Albano, teammates Darin Humes-James and Adem Djonbalic contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively. The Falcons improved their season record to 10-2, demonstrating resilience as they outscored New Dorp by ten points in the final period. Omari Onwe led the Centrals with 15 points, while Billy Fraser and Sergio Batista added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Head coach Danny Lanigan acknowledged the challenge posed by New Dorp, noting their experience from previous matchups. “New Dorp is a very talented team,” he said. “We knew they would play with great spirit today.” Despite a sluggish start, the Falcons found their rhythm in the closing minutes and clinched the win. Lanigan expressed optimism for the rest of the season, stating, “If we do that, I am confident that we could have a special season.”
Nick Rebracca Shines in Vikings’ Victory over Salesian
In another exciting game, Sea High School triumphed over Salesian with a decisive score of 73-52. Junior swingman Nick Rebracca matched his career high, scoring 28 points, including a season-high six three-pointers. His strong performance was instrumental in establishing an early lead for the Vikings, who improved to 5-2 in the league and 6-2 overall.
The Vikings dominated the first quarter, outscoring Salesian 19-4, thanks to Rebracca’s offensive prowess and a stellar defensive effort. Point guard Nick Lee and sixth man Luca Mineo contributed ten points each, while Joey Moran and Arne Mattsson combined for an additional 14 points. Rebracca’s scoring consistency has been impressive, as he has tallied at least 26 points in three of his last four games.
The game marked the Vikings’ third consecutive win, solidifying their position in the league standings. Rebracca’s performance not only highlighted his individual skill but also showcased the team’s collective effort to secure the victory.
Other Notable Matchups
In a non-league contest in Pittsburgh, St. Peter’s faced a tough challenge against Taylor Allderdice, resulting in a 52-45 loss. Senior Nico Parlanti led the Eagles with 17 points, making a strong fourth-quarter push. However, the Eagles could not recover from an early deficit, falling to a 2-4 overall record.
Meanwhile, in Staten Island, WHEELS defeated Eagle Academy SI 61-43. Despite a competitive first half, WHEELS pulled away with a dominant third quarter, led by Miguel Martinez, who scored 15 points. The Wolves’ victory improved their league record, showcasing their ability to maintain momentum throughout the game.
As the season progresses, these high school teams continue to foster talent and excitement in Staten Island basketball. The contributions from players like Albano and Rebracca are setting the stage for an engaging season ahead.
