2025-26 St Joseph by the Sea Player Profiles
St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School is a co-educational Catholic school in the Huguenot neighborhood of Staten Island. The school property was once owned by steel magnate Charles M. Schwab, who was developing it as a summer resort. In 1909, he donated it to the Sisters of Charity of New York, as a seaside home for children from the New York Foundling hospital. Then after many years as a children’s home and a convent, the Sisters transformed the property into a high school, first for girls in 1963, then co-educational since 1973.
The boys varsity basketball team competes in the Catholic High School Sports Association A Division. and it is coached by Michael Cortese in his 14th season at the helm.
The Vikings return last season’s All League player and leading scorer Nick Rebracca (junior) with the hopes of him leading this young Viking team back to Fordham University for some post-season glory.
Last year, the Vikings went 17-10, finished first in the CHSAA regular season South Division standing, made a Staten Island Semi Final appearance and were the CHSAA City Championship Runners Up. They graduated nine seniors from that squad, and, consequently, and will rely heavily on Rebracca and the other lone rotation player from last season in junior, John Paturzo to lead this young squad. The junior additions to the Vikings are coming off of a very successful JV season in both City and Staten Island play. Major minutes will be expected from Nick Lee, Jack Boyle, and Joey Moran. St. Joe’s also has some unique role players in Arne Mattsoon, Luca Mineo, and Colin Valenti who bring different elements to each side of the court. As always, expect to see the Vikings play a variety of styles of play on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball with their versatile, guard-heavy lineup. The Vikings will be asking for a joint effort to control the paint from senior Anthony Stolfo and juniors Joey Moran and Arne Mattsson.
The team’s 2025-26 game schedule and results can be found by clicking here.
Anthony Stolfo (2026) 6’3 center - Although Stolfo did not see major minutes last year, his size and strength will be needed to help control the paint for this group. He is a vocal leader who can knock down the outside shot if left open.
Jack Boyle (2027) 5’11 guard - Boyle is a blue collar work horse who thrives on intensity on both ends of the court. He is a defensive specialist who has added a consistent outside shot to his game. This versatility allows him to play a variety of positions and be another glue guy for this group.
Luca Mineo (2027) 5’11 guard - Mineo is a scoring threat off the bench who has a knack for finding the basketball at the right time and not scared to take the big shot. He can score from mid-range and beyond the arc which gives him a competitive advantage on defenders. He continues to work attaining the foot speed to be a solid defender.
Joey Moran (2027) 6’0 forward - Moran will be relied on to anchor this Viking group inside with his sheer strength and athleticism. He can handle the basketball and lead the break while also clearing space on both ends. An All-City football star, Moran brings a much appreciated toughness and motor to this group.
Nick Lee (2027) 5’11 point guard - Coach Cortese describes him as “A crafty guard that can score from anywhere on the basketball court. Nick keeps the basketball on a string and can set teammates up to score as well with his shiftiness and ability to get down hill. Expect to see the basketball in him and Paturzo’s hands a majority of the game.”
Arne Mattson (2027) 6’3 forward - Mattson is an active forward who always finds himself on the right spot on the basketball court. He has a great motor, and he excels in transition. The Vikings will need him to be a presence on the boards and finish consistently around the rim.
John Paturzo (2027) 6’1 point guard - Paturzo is a returning varsity player who is a true floor general for the Vikings. He is solid with the ball and can put his teammates in the right spot. His deceptive length allows him to guard the ball and help on the boards as well. Expect to see Paturzo get into the paint and use his length to score the basketball. Per Coach Cortese, “John is a basketball fundamentalist’s dream player. He does just about everything right on the court, and if he makes a mistake, he makes it a priority to clean it up the next position. He is the silent glute guy that keeps this group running. Expect to see a big jump in his overall statistics this year.”
Nicholas Rebracca (2027) 6’5 guard - Rebracca is a pure shooter who added four inches in height this offseason. The Vikings will ask him to score in a variety of ways in this his third season at the varsity level. Rebracca can stretch the defense with his deep range and quick release and has also added an inside presence with his pull up and ability to get to the rim. He will also be relied on to rebound the basketball. Per Coach Cortese,“Our staff is excited to see what Rebracca has in store for his junior campaign. He has taken on a leadership position this offseason with the departure of our nine seniors and is motivated to help lead this group to another successful season. There are no secrets here. Nick will get his share of shot attempts, but is a smart enough player to know this will open up the floor for his teammates”
Colin Valenti (2027) 5’11 guard - Valenti is a two year JV player who will bring toughness and versatility off the bench for this varsity squad. He plays tough like a forward but can move like a guard. Those traits will be relied on to create mismatches and bring a defensive presence on the court.
Matthew Walker (2028) 5’11 guard - Walker is in his first year in a varsity role, expect ‘MJ’ to bring a unique athleticism and ability to get to the rim. He is a heady guard who thrives going downhill and out in transition.