Finley Boys' Basketball-7
Finishes at 6-3
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School seventh grade boys' basketball team was a feisty squad, giving opponents all they could handle en route to a 6-3 record.
The Falcons were coached by Rick Agnello and captained by Dan Molitor, Kenny Charles and James Walsh. The highlight of the season came when Finley rallied in the last period against Commack from seven points down, sealing the victory when Walsh dropped in two free throws.
The coach said the team was "a hardworking group. They all contributed, 1 through 16, whether it was Chris Abbondandelo making big defensive plays or Quincy Nelson hitting a big outside jump shot. Everyone played a role in our success."
Agnello called Walsh a "great all-around basketball player" who "can shoot with great range and drive to the basket. The seventh grade point guard was the team's top scorer and is "excellent at finding the open man when the defense shifts," according to the coach.
Molitor was another standout at point guard, earning a reputation as a very good ball handler and excellent shooter. "He can finish well going to the basket," Agnello said.
Charles, a talented forward, has a quick first step and displayed a great pull-up jumper. Forward Pat Kennedy showed a knack for putting the ball through the hoop. A very good post player, he is skilled at finishing a pick and roll and is also a top rebounder.
Agnello said forward Infinite Tucker is an "unbelievable athlete and tremendous defensive player." Tucker guarded the opposing team's point guard and typically gave him fits. "He changed the game with his defensive presence," the coach said.
Forward John Brendel missed a chunk of the season but still emerged as one of Finley's best rebounders and shot blockers. The Falcons also received spirited play from Exzayvian Crowell, Ethan Dwyer, Thomas Kopstein, Zion Moore, James Pugliese, Christopher Rasco, James Smoot and Corey Wellington.
A solid foundation for the program has been established with this team. Finley finished on a high note when it topped Bay Shore (43-29) and Hauppauge (40-20) in the last two games of the season.