Boys Handball Sets Championship Goals
Last year, the team made it to the third round of the playoffs. Photo: Continental Studios
By SOPHIA LIN AND AYSHA AHMED
With the spring season blooming, the Boys Handball team has gotten off to a 9-1 start, including 5-0 and 4-1 wins against Bedford rival James Madison, landing the team in first place.
“The games with Madison and FDR were pretty good,” said senior Jonathon Sarmiento, a co-captain of the team. “I feel like I could’ve done better, but team-wise everybody did great.”
In the April 3 match against Madison, juniors David Zamora and Kenny Lin “zipped in the first single position,” leading the team to victory, junior Keifer Wu said. Justin Cheung ‘24 applauded Zamora’s “unique” playstyle. Lin, a co-captain, said he has been playing more by himself and competitively on the side to get better.
Mutual support has been a key factor in the team’s success. “Since we already know each other from last year, we have more of a sibling bond relationship,” said Sarmiento. “We’re more of a family than before, and we all have practice from last year, so we're more mentally and physically prepared. What we did differently this time is that we practiced hella hard.”
The coach, Mr. Eric Lee, has been playing handball for 20 years. As a high schooler, he lost to Midwood for the city championship. “If you can't beat them, then join them,” he said.
This is Mr. Lee’s third year of coaching and he is making sure to keep the team moving by scheduling practices daily.
“We are constantly doing the drills and skills I have been teaching them, running four laps every day around the track,” said Mr. Lee. “Pretty much no mercy.”
The team is taking each game seriously to make it to the championship after getting knocked out of the playoffs in the third round last year.
“It was a pain to lose in the quarterfinals,” said Zamora. “We had the people but we didn't have enough training.” He returned this year determined to go farther with the team.
Joseph Trontz ‘25 has a lot of confidence in the squad. “I don't know enough about all the other teams, but I feel we’re the best in our division,” he said.
“We’re all close, so we’re comfortable around each other and cheer each other on,” said sophomore Elvis Wu, third single. “I don't think there are any weaknesses, honestly.”
Last spring, the team ended the season ranked second in the division with an 8-2 record, just one spot behind Brooklyn Tech, the only team to hand them a loss so far this year.
“The players are very committed and dedicated to the sport,” said Mr. Lee. “We are looking forward to winning the championship this year.”