Jan. 16, 2024
By Giovanni Mule
Staff Writer
After a tough 60-72 loss in its season opener at an away game against Paterson Charter on Dec. 14, the boys basketball team won its next nine games. As of Jan. 16, the team’s record was 11-2.
Senior captain and guard Matthew Slaby, who is in his third year on varsity, said he is excited to be taking on a leadership role.
“My responsibility as captain is to set an example for younger players to be successful student-athletes,” Slaby said.
He said so far this season, the boys have excelled at scoring in the paint.
“That is where a lot of the points are coming from,” Slaby said.
He said LHS is one of the most talented boys basketball teams in the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference, and the players face pressure to live up to their reputation.
“Everyone knows we are supposed to be good. We just have to back it up,” Slaby said.
Senior forward Anthony Pizzuti, who has been on varsity for three years, said he is excited for this season.
“I love playing against Rutherford as I like the cross-the-bridge rivalry and love the competition.”
“I really think we have a good chance to win a state title this year,” Pizzuti said.
He said he and his teammates are excited to play tough teams and try to beat them.
“My favorite part of the [season] as of right now was beating Park Ridge as they were a harder team on our schedule,” Pizzuti said.
The Golden Bears won 60-45 against Park Ridge High School at home on Dec. 16 and won 83-40 on Dec. 19 at home against Harrison High School.
“Games like those are really good to have because everyone on our team gets to play and have some fun,” Pizzuti said.
He said he is looking forward to facing off against Rutherford High School for a second time in an away game on Jan. 29. In the team’s previous game against Rutherford at home on Jan. 8, the Golden Bears won with a score of 70-63.
“I love playing against Rutherford as I like the cross-the-bridge rivalry and love the competition,” Pizzuti said.
Senior guard CJ Baillie, who has been on varsity for three years, said to win states, the team needs to work on communicating more on the court. Despite this weakness, Baillie said the team has capitalized on its strengths to have a successful season so far.
He said the team had a strong preseason and put pressure on its opponents in the game against Paterson Charter.
“We excelled in attacking the rim and bringing ourselves back into the game,” Baillie said.
He said the team is focusing on small details that will make a big difference in addressing initial obstacles.
“[We are] conditioning and getting in shape. You can’t overcome [a challenge] without just doing it,” said Baillie.
