NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Salesian High School Eagles will take on arch-rival Regis High School, the defending CHSAA B-League Champions, on Friday night at Rose Hill Gymnasium on the campus of Fordham University at 6 p.m.
With an overall record of 17-9 and a B-League record of 9-2, the Eagles look to dethrone Regis which were the CHSAA B-League season champions. The two teams played twice this season and split their regular season match-ups.
Salesian advanced to the finals last weekend, first defeating Moore Catholic, 77-45 in the CHSAA B-League Quarterfinals and then LaSalle 61-48 on Sunday afternoon.
The Salesian Eagles overcame adversity this season when returning starting center Steven Hooks was lost to a season ending injury just three games into their schedule. Hooks averaged 12 points per game last year and was the only big man on the team. His absence put a damper on the expectations for the team over the course of their remaining schedule.
The adapted, changing their offense to a “run and gun” style and employing multiple defenses.
“The players came together,” said Lippoth. “The fine chemistry that developed over the past few months has been crucial to the team’s success.
With Hooks out of the season, the Eagles do not have a player over 6 foot tall. The team relies on their speed and quickness to make up for the height differential.
The Eagles are led – on and off the court – by senior Kevin Silverberg who averages 24 points per game, 4 assists and 7 rebounds.
Silverberg was selected as CHSAA B-League Co-Player of the Year Award.
Assistant Coach Michael Lippoth who grew up in New Rochelle and played basketball at Iona Prep and SUNY-Albany is impressed with Silverberg
“I have seen a lot of great basketball players and Kevin’s season is one of the best I’ve seen,” said Lippoth. “Competing in the highly competitive CHSAA, with an undersized team, Silverberg led the team to a 14-9 record, a great accomplishment. Silverberg scored over 30 points 5 times this season and was over 20 points 15 times.
Among the starters, Junior Alex Romans is a lightning quick point guard who has averaged 14 point and 7 assists per game. Juniors Anthony Mitchell has contributed 14 points per game and Xavier Tellez 9 points per game. Senior Juan Mora at just 5’10” is the mainstay in the middle. Coming off the bench is senior Brandon Price and junior Mike Pirraglia .
Friday nights game will be strength versus quickness. Regis is a talented team with strength and height and have very good outside shooters. The Eagles will rely on their speed and quickness.
“It will be a typical Salesian – Regis matchup,” said sixth year head coach John Miressi Miressi “I hope speed is better than height this Friday night.”