Boys basketball players prepare for tough competition at season opener against Paterson Charter

Dec. 12, 2023

By Emily Reed
Editor-in-Chief

The boys basketball team will hit the court on Dec. 14 with an away game against Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology.

Senior Matthew Slaby, who joined varsity as a sophomore, said the Golden Bears have played in a summer league and participated in scrimmages in the fall to prepare for the season ahead.

He said he expects Paterson Charter, which finished last season with a 17-7 winning record, to be a challenging adversary.

“They are one of the best teams in the [North Jersey Interscholastic Conference],” Slaby said. “They play really physical[ly], but if we play like a team and keep our composure, we should be able to defeat them.”

“I want the team to do better than last year, and that’s winning a state championship.”

Slaby said his responsibilities as a senior are to be a leader and role model for the underclassmen. 

“I tell my teammates to communicate on defense and keep a high-intensity mindset as well as making sure they keep their heads up even when they mess up,” Slaby said.

Junior Shawn Bellenger, who joined varsity last year, said the team needs to continue improving its communication, especially on defense.

“Last season, Coach Mosca had always stressed communication on the court, so I believe our communication is the most important and can always be better,” Bellenger said.

He said he expects the team to exceed its 16-10 record from last season.

“I would definitely not be satisfied if the team performed only as well as last season because we know what the expectations of this year are,” Bellenger said. “I want the team to do better than last year, and that’s winning a state championship.”

Bellenger said the team will face greater competition compared to last season.

“This season will be less challenging based on our chemistry as all of our starters are coming back, but more challenging based on our schedule,” Bellenger said.

Senior Anthony Pizzuti, who has been on varsity since his sophomore year, also said he expects this season’s games to be more difficult with Paterson Charter and Weehawken High School being LHS’ fiercest adversaries. 

Last season, LHS lost against Weehawken 57-72 at a home game. This season, LHS is set to play Weehawken away on Jan. 5 and at home on Jan. 23.

“We are playing tougher teams this year because Coach [Mosca] expects more out of us, and it will help us in the state playoffs,” Pizzuti said. “The harder schedule will prepare us for the better teams that we will face in the state playoffs.”

Pizzuti said he is most looking forward to bonding with his teammates and improving throughout the season.

“I mentor the new guys by just helping them learn the plays and to do the right things in school,” Pizzuti said. “I am looking forward to playing with the new guys on the team and hopefully winning a state championship.”