Big First-Half Secures Win For JV Hoops

It's not uncommon that young teams get on the bus for an away game and the contest is over before it begins. But for Schreiber High School's boys junior varsity basketball team that was far from the case on Monday night at Valley Stream Central.

The team, made up of eight sophomores and four freshman, put up a record-breaking half, scoring 39 points through the first two quarters. Despite a tenacious second-half run by Central, the Vikings held on for a 66-61 win.

Second-year head coach Joe Virgilio said he was proud of his team for not letting up although it seemed that Valley Stream had all the momentum in the final two periods.

"I'm so impressed with how we handled their pressure and kept our composure," Virgilio said. "After scoring 39 points in the first half, we held off a late run by Valley Steam Central and secured the win."

The Vikings, who now stand at 4-4 this season, were led by Kyle Reiner with 16 points. Matt Valenti and Jake Froccaro each added 11 and both Jung Ho Byun and Nate Omeltchenko put up eight points.

"It's not everyday that a JV team scores 39 points in a half," Virgilio said. "We were playing aggressive and taking good shots."

The JV boys basketball team looks to continue its high-scoring and winning ways this afternoon, Jan. 13, at 4:30 p.m. when Baldwin comes to Schreiber. Then on Friday, Jan. 15, the team hits the road to take on Farmingdale at 5 p.m.

"Hopefully we can carry this momentum into the last half of the season,"  Virgilio said. "The kids are really working hard and buying into the system."