Boys Basketball Preview

By Ben Epple

The Boys Varsity Basketball team kicked off their season last Tuesday against Edgmont. Starters Andy Feng, Johnny Guerrero, Alex Hempstead, CJ Stienberg, and Nick Grados lead to bulldogs. The Bulldogs started off strong with early baskets from Nick Grados and Johnny Guerrero. Late in the third quarter the bulldogs trailed 28-19. The Bulldogs battled back and with six minutes left. Andy Feng hit a corner three to give the bulldogs the lead. They would hold this lead to win 44-36.

After last season the team lost seniors Taoig Cypher, Marcus Canton, Steven Rittmeyer, Jacob Constantine, Teagan Waters, and Toby Gordinier, which made room for new additions on the team. Sophomores Adrian Aybar and Joseph Denardo. Juniors Nicholas Grados, Brady Cole, Riley Hein, and Josh Greenbarg. Senior Hudson Mollo. And Team Manager senior Brady Kadro. Also some new additions to the coaching staff.

The team is coached by first year head coach Rocco Cipriano and first year assistant coach Brendan O’Sullivan. With a new coaching staff the program wanted to get a head start on their season. Offering seven weeks on open workouts JV and Varsity prepared for their seasons. 

Coach O’Sullivan had some thoughts on what the team has offered this season. “We’re very excited for the upcoming season. We have a nice blend of returning and young players. Energy in practice has been high and the boys have been working hard. Every game is an opportunity to prove what we’re capable of, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

Friday night was the beginning of their annual Warnock X Tewey tournament which is held right before their season is about to truly start. The Bulldogs took on PleasantVille for their home opener. This was a four team tournament stretching to Saturday night. 

Friday night held two games. Ardsley plays Dobbs Ferry. Dobbs would defeat Ardsley 63-60. Next played the bulldogs. They defeated Pleasantville 59-42. 

Saturday night the Bulldogs took on Dobbs Ferry for the championship game of this tournament. The bulldogs trailed by two with eight seconds left. Nick Grados scored a lay up to tie the game sending the game to overtime. The Bulldogs would dominate in overtime and take home the win 71-63. Nick Grados with 19 points and 8 rebounds won the tournament MVP, and CJ Steinberg with 18 points and 5 assists won all tournament. 

I asked point guard Brady Cole what winning this tournament means for the team going into the rest of the season. “I think winning this tournament really sets the tone for our team and shows how much we can accomplish this season.”

The Bulldogs continue their season this Wednesday against Pearl River. That’s what to expect coming up for the rest of the Irvington boys varsity basketball season.