Boys basketball: Hart, Nachamkin lead the Journal's 2023-24 All-Stars
Most teams, in most situations, would falter after losing their best player to a season-ending injury. It was particularly crushing because Our Lady of Lourdes was undefeated then and had the makings of a team that could compete for a basketball state title.
"After Pat got hurt, we had to completely change the structure," coach Jim Santoro said of Patrick Faughnan, whose torn ACL in January threatened to derail their season. "Zach had to modify his role."
Zach Hart took the captain's seat and was tasked with steadying the craft amid turbulence. The junior needed to emerge as a leader while increasing his production to compensate for what was lost. For most players, under most circumstances, it would've been a lot to ask.
But the 6-foot-7 standout not only helped them maintain altitude, but eventually ascend. Hart led the Warriors on a late-season charge during which most of their goals were accomplished, including winning their first section championship since 2017.
Hart often shifted between his traditional forward position and point guard, depending on matchup and necessity, and he thrived in both roles. He averaged 24 points and shot 56% from the field to go with 10 rebounds and two assists ― including five triple-doubles ― while leading Lourdes on a run to the Class AA state semifinals.
"His ball handling, passing, and shooting ability from the perimeter, coupled with his inside play, made him one of the more difficult matchups in the region," Santoro said of Hart, who earned all-state honors, was voted the large-school co-MVP by the Dutchess County Basketball Coaches Association and Class AA Player of the Year by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York.
Those accomplishments also earned him the Journal's Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Co-Player of the Year: Matthew Nachamkin, Haldane
It wasn't injuries that made some wonder how well Haldane could do, but the graduation of almost its entire core. The Blue Devils reached the state final in 2023, then returned last winter with only one of its starters.
For a small school, a farewell to such a talented senior class typically would signal the start of a rebuilding phase with some lean years to come.
Except the returning starter was Matthew Nachamkin, who elevated his game and the team beyond what most would've imagined.
"We certainly wouldn't have accomplished what we did without him becoming the player he did," Haldane coach Joe Virgadamo said. "Not just the production, but what he brought as a leader, helping make the group so close-knit."
Nachamkin starred last season, too, but understanding that so much more would be required of him as a senior, he dedicated the offseason to expanding his game. The 6-foot-8 forward developed new moves and counters, improved significantly as a shooter, and his passing helped teammates capitalize on the defensive attention he received.
The Williams College commit averaged 21.3 points, eight rebounds and 2.5 assists and shot 40% from three, leading the Blue Devils to another impressive season that culminated in a return to the Class C state final. Nachamkin earned all-Section 1 honors and was named the state Class C Player of the Year by the New York State Sportswriters Association.
With that, the two-time all-star earned recognition as the Journal's Co-Player of the Year.
"He set the tone with his demeanor, smarts and winning attitude," Virgadamo said of Nachamkin, who also starred for their state championship soccer team two years ago. "As a coach, you're not gonna get many ‘Matt Nachamkins,’ and he'll be missed."
First team
Matthew Apenteng, Our Lady of Lourdes, forward/guard, senior: A versatile 6-foot-3 athlete, he guarded multiple positions and excelled defensively in addition to being an effective slasher, post scorer and playmaker as a part-time point guard. Apenteng averaged 12.3 points on 62% from the field along with 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Prince Boone, Poughkeepsie, guard, senior: With his high-flying feats, he created several highlight-reel moments. But the flash was accompanied by substance. His energy, instincts and defensive skills contributed to the Pioneers having a rebound season. In a balanced offense, Boone averaged 11 points, five rebounds and two steals, leading Poughkeepsie to the Section 1 Class AA quarterfinals.
Chris DeNatale, Marlboro, guard, junior: An athletic standout, he contributed in all areas on both ends of the court. DeNatale shot 46% from the field and averaged 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.1 assists, leading a late-season surge that got Marlboro into the Section 9 Class A playoffs.
Cayden Dones, New Paltz, guard, sophomore: The electric point guard announced himself as the next superstar in local basketball. Dones excelled last season as a passer, helping the seniors flourish, but a new-look roster required him to be the go-to scorer. Dones averaged 26.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists, leading the Huguenots to the Section 9 Class A semifinals. He received all-state honors and Player of the Year nods by the BCANY and DCBCA.
Ross Esposito, Haldane, guard, senior: The Cold Spring native grew up in Chicago, but returned to his hometown last year. His addition helped Haldane withstand a roster turnover and the point guard delivered as a ball-handler and playmaker. Esposito averaged 9.5 points and 5.5 assists, operating an efficient offense en route to a state final.
Patrick Faughnan, Our Lady of Lourdes, guard/forward, senior: Despite missing more than half the season with a torn ACL, his early impact can't be overlooked. The former Journal Player of the Year averaged 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, four assists and two steals. That was in 22 minutes per game, often sitting the second halves as his dominance contributed to blowouts. The RPI commit was voted large-school co-MVP by the DCBCA.
Griffin Giles, Rhinebeck, forward, senior: A strong, physical presence in the post, he anchored the paint on both ends and led rebuilding Rhinebeck to the Section 9 Class B semifinals a season after helping them win a section title as an underdog.
Owen Iannucci, Millbrook, guard, junior: His growth helped spark a turnaround that catapulted Millbrook to its first Section 9 Class C title since 2019. Iannucci averaged 16 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals, earning all-county.
Brady Kelly, Red Hook, guard, sophomore: Best known for his lacrosse exploits, Kelly blossomed as an instinctive scorer and playmaker on the court as well. He averaged 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 3.5 assists, helping the Raiders clinch a playoff berth before suffering a knee injury.
Gavyn Pacheco, John Jay, guard, senior: Among the most explosive scorers locally, Pacheco was capable of game-changing bursts with his drives and outside shooting. He averaged 17.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, helping the Patriots make the Section 1 Class AAA playoffs.
Mike Rescigno, Arlington, forward, senior: Lauded for his leadership, the all-state football star also brought his athleticism and physicality to the court. He averaged 15 points and eight rebounds, thriving in the paint, while leading the Admirals to the Section 1 Class AAA quarterfinal.
Brice Rider, Franklin D. Roosevelt, forward, junior: The baseball star enjoyed a breakout winter season, earning BCANY and DCBCA all-star honors. A versatile scorer with a solid 3-point shot, he averaged 13.2 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Brodie Rathjen, Pine Plains, guard, senior: An excellent athlete with versatile skills, he broke out as a scorer and facilitator. Rathjen averaged 17.2 points, helping the rebuilding Bombers reach the Section 9 Class C semifinals, and was an all-county selection.
Nasir Snell, Spackenkill, guard, senior: A dynamic scorer with remarkable quickness and range, Snell led the Spartans to the Section 9 Class A semifinals. He averaged 21.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, four assists and 2.8 steals and was voted small-school MVP by the DCBCA for the second time.
Jazziah Whitted, Beacon, guard, junior: Described by coach Patrick Schetter as a "lockdown defender," Whitted's quickness and tenacity made him a constant disruptor. He averaged 10 points, four assists and two steals and hit several big shots during a turnaround that brought Beacon from a 2-7 start to the Section 9 Class A final.
Second team
Reid Berean, Highland, F, Jr.
Miles Brooks, Marlboro, G/F, Sr.
Justin Cardwell, Dover, F, Sr.
Kris Cummings, Spackenkill, C, Sr.
Jai Elting, Poughkeepsie, C, Sr.
Derek Fortes, Beacon, F, Sr.
Jack Hurley, John Jay, G, Sr.
Jacob Jerome, Arlington, G, Jr.
Jack Maiale, New Paltz, F, Jr.
Nick Mondesando, Roy C. Ketcham, G, So.
Michael Murray, Haldane, F, Sr.
Grady Pietras, Rhinebeck, G, Jr.
Landon Ramsey, Red Hook, G, Sr.
Tommy Simpson, Lourdes, G, Jr.
Richard Starzyk, Pine Plains, C, Sr.
Nate Stickle, Haldane, F, Jr.
Andrew Szostak, Millbrook, F, Sr.
Honorable mention
Arlington: Jensey Adames, G, Sr.; Miguel Martinez, G, Sr.
Beacon: Ryan Landisi, Beacon, F, So.; Michai Thompson, Beacon, G, So.
Dover: Caden Green, G, Jr.; Shazell Bush, C, Sr.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Owen Brink, G, Sr.; Artrese Robertson, G, Jr.
Haldane: Luke Bozsik, G, So.; Fallou Faye, G/F, Jr.; Evan Giachinta, Haldane, F, Sr.
Highland: Josh Bishop, F, Sr.; Michael Koehler, G, So.
John Jay: Vinny Angioletti, G, Jr.
Marlboro: Matthew Ciarimboli, G, Jr.
Millbrook: Santino Quattrociocchi, G, Sr.; Hunter Williamson, G, Jr.
New Paltz: Russell Patterson, C, So.
Our Lady of Lourdes: Dylan Milano, G, Sr.; Mike Sabini, G, Sr.
Pine Plains: Kaleb Chapman, G, Sr.
Red Hook: Rileigh Jackson, F, So.; Matt Simmons, G, So.
Rhinebeck: Bodhi Binetti, F, Sr.; Charlie Kozma, G, Sr.; Parker Ruger, G, Jr.
Roy C. Ketcham: Connor Durkin, F, Sr.; Brandon Santiago, G, Jr.
Spackenkill: Kason Cummings, F, So.; Bryan Hoyt, G, Jr.
Webutuck: Hunter Breyette, G, Sr.
Coach of the Year
Jim Santoro, Lourdes: He guided the Warriors through the emotional lull of losing superstar Patrick Faughnan to injury and quickly reconfigured an offensive scheme that had centered around the senior. Lourdes successfully regrouped, going on to win the Mid Hudson Athletic League, Section 9 and regional titles.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys basketball: Haldane's Nachamkin, Lourdes' Hart lead '24 All-Stars
