Homire Leads Finley Boys' Basketball-8
Brendan Homire shined from his point guard position for the J. Taylor Finley Middle School eighth grade boys' basketball team this past season. The Falcons compiled a 2-8 record under head coach Phil Lowe.
Homire, the team's floor general, displayed a variety of talents, including sharp passing, an ability to penetrate the lane and good finishing skills.
Lowe said the squad's other top players included point guard Daniel Reiver, forwards Liam O'Donnell, Matt Reed and Shyheim Brewster and "2" guards Davonte Evans and Scott Gulizio.
Lowe said Reiver is a good ball handler and floor leader and a player capable of starting a fast break. He can also penetrate the lane. Gulizio showed a "nice outside shot from the 10-foot range," the coach said, adding that the up-and-coming guard "can dribble with both hands and is a good passer."
O'Donnell is a tall, tough rebounding specialist who has a presence in the lane. "He can finish in traffic," Lowe said. Reed is still another eighth grader who can go up and come down with the ball. He has strong hands and a good shot from the 8-10 foot range. Lowe said that Reed "can finish with either hand" and is a "smart player."
Brewster proved adept at leaping and grabbing rebounds, a byproduct of his exceptional athleticism. Evans can knock down baskets from a 12-15 foot range, is a tough defender and has quick hands and feet.
Finley topped Deer Park (39-38) and Lindenhurst (49-42) for the team's two victories this season. "The team slowly came to believe in its abilities, individually and as a team," Lowe said. "It was a very athletic team that gradually took steps to make improvements on the basketball floor, both at practice and during games."
Falcon Baskets: Finley lost close games to Commack (35-31) and Hauppauge (58-55) . . . Reiver, Homire and Justin Weigold captained the 16-player squad . . .