The Storm King School boys varsity basketball team had a season to remember, finishing as the #2 seed in the NEPSAC Class C division. With an impressive 17-6 overall record and a hard-earned trip to the NEPSAC Championship game, the Cougars demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and growth throughout the year. From early season challenges to an unstoppable winning streak, their journey was nothing short of remarkable.

The team’s winter schedule kicked off in December with a strong showing in the Storm King Tournament, demonstrating skill and determination in their opening games. They secured a thrilling 72-68 victory over Woodstock Academy in the first round, setting a positive tone for the season. Coach Mike Luongo praised the team’s effort, stating, “I was extremely proud of the boys. We have worked hard and prepared ourselves to the best of our ability, and it definitely showed.”

The Cougars then faced Green Farms Academy in a tightly contested matchup but fell just short in a 47-45 loss at the final buzzer. Undeterred, they bounced back with a dominant 91-78 win over Redemption Christian, showcasing their ability to recover and execute effectively. Junior guard Nick S. ’26 and senior guard Gabriel D. ’25 led the team in scoring, reinforcing the team’s potential early in the season.

Building Experience and Momentum

In mid-December, the Cougars traveled to the Hyde School in Maine for the annual James Roman Tournament. They edged out Hyde 46-44 in a nail-biting opener, securing a spot in the final. However, they fell to Kent Hills 84-54, gaining valuable experience against a strong opponent.

The Cougars went on to compete in the Paterson Charter Holiday Classic in New Jersey. They opened with a 63-49 victory over Irvington, followed by a 43-38 win against Columbia despite injuries and a limited roster. The final saw them take on host Paterson Charter, where they fought hard but fell 54-50. Despite the loss, Coach Luongo was pleased with the team’s performance, saying, “We made great connections and definitely left a good impression on everyone. We are looking forward to participating in more events here in the future.”

Entering the New Year Strong

Entering the new year with a 5-4 record and ranked 4th in Class C Small, Storm King had an offensive average of 57 points per game and a defensive average of 58. This set the stage for an intense second half of the season. January proved to be a turning point as the Cougars embarked on an impressive run, securing a 56-51 victory over Hamden Hall on January 11, improving to 6-4 and moving up to the #3 ranking in Class C Small.

A thrilling overtime win at Harvey (53-51) on January 15 was followed by more victories, including a commanding 75-57 win over South Kent Developmental on January 22 and a hard-fought 65-61 triumph over Winchendon on January 25. Coach Luongo emphasized the team’s grit, stating, “This group has shown incredible fight all season. They never back down, and that has made all the difference in close games.”

The Cougars continued their success into February, defeating NYMA (50-43), Rocky Hill (64-49), and Faith Christian (71-45) on Senior Night. Next up, Storm King gained three more victories over Green Farms Academy (63-52), Hopkins (48-36), and Wooster (65-42), extending their winning streak to 10 games and reaching an overall record of 15-4.

Although they suffered a setback in their final regular season game at South Kent Developmental (94-69), they finished the season ranked #2 in all of Class C, an accomplishment to be proud of. Looking back on the season, Coach Luongo noted, “This team has come together in a special way. Their chemistry, commitment, and work ethic have been outstanding.”

A Season of Growth and Recognition

Coach Luongo also reflected on the bigger picture of their season, saying, “We honestly set one goal at the beginning of the year, and that goal was to win the NEPSAC championship. Although we fell just short of the goal, the pursuit of that goal was what led us all to work tirelessly. Despite our loss, Storm King players Gabriel D. ’25, Nick S. ’26, and Marquise S. ’25 were selected to the All-NEPSAC Class C Team and Roy (RJ) S. ’25. and Tayo A. ’26 earned honorable mentions. This was recognition that was well-deserved.”

Season Record

The Storm King Cougars finished with a 17-6 record, bringing their two-year total to an impressive 33-12. Their incredible journey to the NEPSAC Finals was a reflection of their commitment and determination, solidifying their status as one of the premier teams in NEPSAC Class C.

With another great season in the books, the bar for Storm King basketball is higher. According to Coach Luongo, “We have set a standard, and now it’s about continuing to build on it. The future is bright for Storm King basketball.”