Finley Boys’ Basketball-White Displays Great Effort

The J. Taylor Middle School boys’ basketball team coached by high school physical education teacher Jake Torres recently wrapped up its season.

The roster consisted of 15 players including eighth graders Mason Alexis, Azzie Allen, Yahel Barak Elitsur, Robbie Bellino, Bradley Burke, Matteo Dasaro, Will Dease, John Dello-Iacono, Stewart Henry, Tristian Jenkins, Dean Michaelian, and Luke Shanley and seventh graders Thomas Evernham, Owen McIntyre and Kellen Sulinski.

“Every player on the team put forth their best effort for the greater good of the team,” Torres said.

Highlights included both individual feats and team accomplishments. Allen scored a season team high of 25 points against Elwood. Dease had 15 points against Commack. The team edged Elwood, 41-38. “We were down 11 going into the fourth quarter,” Torres said. “We worked hard to come back and eventually win by three.”

Torres was generally pleased with the development on the players, both individually and as a group.

“The team was made up of majority eighth graders,” the coach said. “Those returning for their second season at Finley did a really good job setting the tone and leading everyone in practice and games. It was fun to see the new players dive right in and meet the returners where they were at. We had a respectful and competitive group of student athletes on our team. They were excited to play the game they love. Throughout our time together, they learned a lot about the game of basketball and grew as players and teammates. I was happy I got the opportunity to work with all the Finley basketball players.”

Most of the team’s players will be moving to the high school level next season. “We look forward to our current seventh graders taking over as leaders in addition to welcoming new athletes to our program,” Torres said.

The coach said there is a possibility of a few sessions of basketball intramurals in the late spring, possibly in June.

“The team goal for next year is to continue to develop basketball skills and knowledge of the game for all the athletes,” Torres said. “This year we created a fun and competitive learning environment for the players to advance their game. I would love to continue that in the future.”