Boys Basketball Builds Playoff Experience
Asher Elson ‘25 goes up for a lay-up December 6 against Uncommon Charter School. Photo: Continental Studios
By ANDY CANETE, LAWRENCE LIN, ANEESA IQBAL, and ELIANA KOPIK
After starting their playoff run with a surprise 50-37 victory over Flushing Campus March 1, the boys varsity basketball team met their match against Bedford Academy High School 64-48 on March 4, ending their season but earning the young team some valuable postseason experience.
“No one expected us to beat Flushing as we were a lower seed playing against a higher seed,” said senior Samuel Akindipe. “It was definitely a great win for us and a huge accomplishment for the team.”
“Coach prepared us well this season,” said Niko Miles, a junior. “Something we have to work on for the future is our press defense. Bedford had a stronger press, which is why we didn’t make it as far as we could’ve.”
With a young but hard-fighting team composed mostly of underclassmen, the Hornets were still able to make it to the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 7-7 record.
“We had a very young team this season,” said head coach Mr. Victor Gjecaj. “There was a lot of inexperience, but it was definitely a fun teaching process, which is something I love to do.”
“Coach really pushes us and helps us prepare mentally and physically for the games,” said freshman Asher Elson, who scored 13 points in the playoff loss. “Motivation from him and the rest of the guys on the team is what made us get to the playoffs. He makes sure we work harder each time.”
“Being the leader of the team, I had to guide these young guys and be a role model for them,” said Akindipe, who averaged 17.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. “With two seniors struggling with grades, I was the only senior, and I had a big responsibility to fill.”
Miles was another pivotal player to the team, averaging 9.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game. “Being the big man on the team, it felt good creating plays and being a main scoring option,” he said.
With so many developing players, the team feels they have a lot of potential. Many of the underclassmen played big roles during the season.
Sophomore Luke Walsh, a starting guard, dropped 23 points, including five 3-pointers, in a key game against New Utrecht. “We needed a win to clinch the playoff spot,” he said. “I’m happy I was able to come up big for the team.”
This year’s varsity team was unusually young, with nine underclassmen. Photo: Continental Studios
Freshmen Samir Bakaev and Darren Nhu started their high school careers on the varsity team. “I was able to build up confidence being around the older guys,” said Nhu. “They taught us how to play as a team.”
Bakaev said, “I learned that just because [the opposing teams’ upperclassmen] are all big, it doesn’t matter. It only taught me to have fun.”
Due to Covid-19 precautions, spectators were not allowed at NYC’s high school basketball games this year.
“The biggest difference this season was no fans at the games,” said Mr. Gjecaj. “It does have an effect on the team's performance to some extent. It's always nice to have a crowd, to get the adrenaline going. They’re kids; they’re teenagers. I’m sure they wanted the support.”
“After practicing together all the time, the guys on the team have a strong bond with one another,” said Samuel Amari ‘25. “We support one another throughout the games, which is something we need now more than ever since there isn’t anyone else there for us at the games.”
Hopefully next year there will be fans in the stands as Midwood runs it back. Making it to the playoffs was just a glimpse of what's to come as these young and talented players continue to build up team chemistry.
“I feel like next year, we are definitely going to be a much better team,” said Gregory Marney ’23, a starting point guard. “Going into our senior years, the juniors will have much more experience, which will help benefit the team.”
Mr. Gjecaj sees a bright future for the squad. “The boys are young, so they need to get those workouts in and get their bodies stronger,” he said. “Of course, we are all setting our eyes on that chip. If we learn from our mistakes, we will continually progress and develop into a stronger team next season. I’m looking forward to a much better year next year, and the year after.”