Academic Trio Key Run to HG Title
The Nassau Pride 16U captured their Hoop Group Fall Jam Fest pool championship this past weekend at Spooky Nook, PA. The Pride completed their run by winning a contested final verses a very talented Edge Bulldogs Elite from Maryland.
Mike Gitz (2023) 6’1 guard from Commack High led all Pride scoring throughout the tourney (22 ppg) including an incredible five 3s in every game run. He managed to still put up great numbers while being “boxed-and-oned” or doubled-teammed most of the weekend after teams recognized his abilty to hurt them.
Matt Garside (2023) 6’1 point guard from Kings Park High also shone throughout the weekend. He highlighted his campaign with a final game performance of 23 points (3 triples), 5 assists and zero turnovers performance. His height, handle, and decision making were invaluable against the pressure.
Brad Wyckoff (2023) 6’3 small forward from Chaminade High was dominant on the glass. Wyckoff, often 2-3 inches shorter than his competition, used his athletic ability and lengthy wing-span to average over 13 boards a game. He also showed a good handle, fed assists and scored the basketball in a great overall weekend performance.
The Nassau Pride are coached by Joe Toner, who is assisted by Joe Falabella. Falabella’s son, Anthony was also strong all weekend. Per Coach Toner, Anthony did all the little things that the team needed to win. He is a three sport athlete, who can score, rebound and defend, but its his toughness and grit that helped define the team’s success. Speaking of coach’s sons, it was Liam Toner who scored the team’s final two field goals in the title game, including a contested deep three, which essentially iced the game from that point on. His hustle and team-defense were also noteworthy.
Per Coach Toner, Gitz, Garside and Wyckoff, in addition to playing winning basketball, are also in RecruitTheBronx.com High Prospects Section for being straight A students.
Photo caption: (left to right) Coach Joe Toner, Christian Espinal, TJ Traponi, Anthony Falabella, Dan Wawzinski, Mike Gitz, Matt Garside, Liam Toner, Bradley Wyckoff and Coach Joe Falabella