The Storm King School Boys Varsity Basketball team got off to a strong start this winter, showing resilience and determination through their early games in December. The Cougars opened their season with a 72-68 victory over Woodstock Country Day, an exciting win that set a positive tone for the season. Coach Luongo was pleased with the team’s performance at their opening weekend, saying, “I was extremely proud of the boys’ effort. We have worked hard and prepared ourselves to the best of our ability, and it definitely showed.”

Storm King then faced Green Farms Academy in a neckand neck game, but came up just short, falling 45-47 at the final buzzer. Despite the loss, the team’s performance highlighted their competitiveness and skills. The Cougars bounced back in their next game against Redemption Christian, securing a 91-78 win that showcased their ability to recover and execute their game effectively. Coach Lunogo praised the contributions from the entire team, particularly junior guard Nick S. ’26 and senior guard Gabriel D. ’25, who led the team in scoring.

In mid-December, the team traveled to the Hyde School in Maine for the annual James Roman Tournament. In their first game, they narrowly defeated the Hyde School Wolfpack 46-44 in another nail-biting game. The win earned them a spot in the final, where they faced Kent’s Hill School. Despite their efforts, the Cougars lost 54-84, but the experience of playing against strong competition proved valuable as they looked ahead to the rest of the season.

Next up, Storm King participated in the Paterson Charter Holiday Classic in New Jersey. On Day 1, they hit the court running with a 63-49 victory over Irvington High School. Coach Lunogo noted that the team “executed a balanced attack and was proud of the win.” The Cougars followed that up with a 49-43 victory over Columbia High School on the second day of the tournament, despite dealing with injuries and some players being absent due to winter break. The team’s determination was evident in their ability to compete with a limited roster.

Paterson Charter Classic

In the final game of the tournament, the Cougars faced the host team, Paterson Charter. The game was close throughout, with Storm King ultimately falling 50-54. Despite the defeat, Coach Lunogo expressed pride in the team’s overall performance and the impact they made on the tournament. “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,” he commented.

As the second semester begins, the Cougars are preparing for their next game, hosting Hamden Hall on Saturday, January 11 on the SKS court. With a strong start to the season, Storm King basketball looks poised for a competitive new year ahead.

Paterson Charter Classic