Minor Division
In a well-played Minor Division game, Verdi’s Restaurant defeated Optometrics Eye Care. Verdi’s Restaurant was led by great play from Stephen Mare, Derrick Lammachia, Brian Campbell and Cal Sternick. Fillipo Gattoni was tough to stop as usual. Andrew and Mark McClean were dominating, as was Sha Torres. Optometrics Eye Care was led by great defense from Michael Slattery, Tommy Monte and Alexander Chataeu. Mike Giaccio, Chris Kekowski, Scott Semerico and Mike Conklin also had big games for Optometrics.
Major Division
In a fast-paced game that saw both teams shoot extremely well, Varsi Deli defeated Cherry Valley Deli, 59-48. Varsi was led by the hot hands of Keith Caparelli and Andrew Lehr with 20 and 17 points, respectively, and the fine play of Michael Berndt, Jose Barcena, John Kiely and Amit Chadha. Berndt’s quick hands accounted for 6 steals, while he dished out 7 assists and collected 6 points. Jose Barcena’s inside game was a major force, as he helped control the boards and added 10 points. John Kiely contributed 4 points and Amit Chada 2. Eddie Johnston of Cherry Valley led all scorers with 24 points as he was virtually unstoppable in the first half. Adam Briedbart had 6 points on three long-range jumpers and James Tierney also had 6 points and played a nice all-around game.
Varsi Deli continued to play excellent team basketball in defeating Big Apple Barbecue, 51-38. It was a close game throughout the first half, as Big Apple held the lead, only to have Varsi have a strong second half to secure the victory. Varsi’s active team defense was the key to the win while their offense was led by Keith Caparelli with 20 points and Andrew Lehr with 16. Great work off the glass by John Kiely and Jose Barcena and Michael Berndt’s play-making were key ingredients in the win. Big Apple was led by the fine play of James Kozakis and Robert Dodge.
Marble Mode defeated Cherry Valley in a Major Division game. Nicky Vigorito played an exceptional game with his strong rebounding and impressive offensive play near the boards. It was a complete team effort with Zach Frankel, Ralph Glavan, Anthony Kapovic, and Jonathan Lee all contributing. As usual the Marble Mode team was led by Dave Martin displaying his tough defense and his exceptional drives to the basket. Joe Montgomery played a powerful game even though he fouled out in the last quarter. Ed Johnston played valiantly for the Cherry Valley team.
Bantam Division
In an exciting Bantam Division game, Stitches defeated Lee’s Jewel Box. Logan Frankel and Steve Foley led the Stitches team with fine offensive performances. Derek Capponi also contributed, especially off the boards. George Tsiklidis has been a pleasant surprise for this team. He has improved steadily this season and played an exceptional game against Lee’s. Dave Legaz also stood out with his hustling style of play on both defense and offense. Benny Tockershewsky played very well for the Lee's Jewel Box team.
In very tight contest, JAM Service Company outlasted Lee’s Jewel Box, 31-29. Kenny Lehr and Patrick Berndt had 11 and 12 points, respectively, as both players overcame intense defensive pressure to lead JAM to the win. David Hazin and Jose Hasing each had 4 points, while Sal DiMaria and Francisco Kyriacou each played the hustling defense that helped control Lee’s offense in the second half. Lee’s played an exceptional game, holding the lead for much of the contest and were led by high scorer Ben Tockershewsky, Dustin Lee and Anthony Andreani.
Donnelly Home for Adults defeated Whitestone Diner, 19-18. Jonathan Lee and Alessio Santoro each scored three baskets. Thomas Regan hit two baskets and a foul shot. Kristopher Parente also made a basket to help Donnelly to the victory. Great offensive play by Terri Tarpe and Louie Kabatnik kept the game tight.
Girls’ A Division
With an awesome display of determination and teamwork, Whitehouse Restaurant beat the then undefeated Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, 25-14. Scoring for Whitehouse were Corinne Lippert with 14 points, Rei Lem scoring 4, Brittany Famighetti with 3 points and Jessica Piccolino and Lacey Losgar with 2 points each. Great team play was displayed by Monica Ng, Theresa Schwenk and Kaitlyn McGrory. Scoring for Taxpayers were Harriet Skevis scoring 9 points, Dana Kettenring scoring 3 and Lisa Sanzo adding 2.
In a game that showed the Whitehouse Restaurant players putting their skills together and working as a team, they beat Dr. Donald Musaffi Chiropractor, 28-7. Scoring for Whitehouse were done by Corinne Lippert with 10 points, Rei Lem with 6 points, Jessica Piccolino and Lacey Losgar with 4 points each and Brittany Famighetti and Kaitlyn McGrory with a basket apiece. Musaffi’s scoring was shared by Samantha McNamara with 4 points and Leyla Feyzullahoglu with 3.
Girls’ B Division
Metro Appraisal Service played tough defense and exceptional team offense against Berardi Bakery for a 42-15 win. Metro’s offense was led by Camille Beza, who scored 29 points, and Kimberly Simon, who scored 11 points. For Berardi, Maria Montoya played superb defense as she consistently rebounded throughout the game. Also playing well for Berardi was Carmen Mateo, who was a strong asset to her team. Both Metro and Berardi displayed tremendous teamwork and sportsmanship.
Novice Division
In a close contest in the 8-year-old Novice Division, Team 3 outlasted Team 2. Christian Cruz, Mathew Mora and Johnny Marshiello led the way with great rebounding. Christopher Wren, John Falidas, Evangelos Triklidas and Chritian Espinal led all scorers. Tom Georgiades, Stephan Georgiades and Michael Rosner dominated the offensive boards and held Team 2 scoreless for three minutes. Team 2 was led by Chris Koukias, Anthony Bradica and Morris Richards. Also scoring were Mike Andino, Tanner Balkayer and Dion Vangelatos. Jordan Chateau and Constantine Pougiouklidis and Omar Abbas almost turned the game around with their great team work. Team 2 is still awaiting the return of team leader, Tommy Renner, who is out with an injury.
Cristom Construction defeated Dial-A-Balloon, 16-10. Christopher Regan, Christina DeVito and Joseph Favalora each scored two baskets. Michael Moravek and Joseph Tomlinson each hit a basket. Christopher Roman, Lorenzo Colasante and Simeon Pandides each helped the team with strong defensive plays. Dial-A-Balloon gave a good fight thanks to Joshua Acevedo, Matthew Kramer, Rebecca Friedman and Luis Rosario.
Led by the all-around play of Jenna Schiffman and Tom Foley and defense of Mike McCutchen, PeeWee Folks PreSchool beat Cristom Construction, clinching a league best record of 9-0-1. Coach Ted Schiffman is very proud of all his championship players.
