The 4th grade boys GCAA travel team continued their unbeaten season with a final regular season victory over Half Hollow Hills resulting in an 18-0 regular season record. This team, playing in the 4th grade “A” division of a competitive Island Garden league comprised of multiple town talent teams and AAU squads, was a force to be reckoned with victories over all their 4th grade opponents in addition to wins over some 5th grade teams from a different division. Many parents and refs commented on the team’s ability to pass, find the open man, run the floor and play suffocating defense. Throughout the season, the team has been led by the strong post up moves of Andrew DeSantis, the silky smooth passing of Brendan McGuire, the pinpoint shooting of Aidan Byrnes, the slashing moves to the basket of Liam Muldoon and the aggressive defense of Matthew Granville. The tall men tandem of Patrick McGoldrick and Ian Gallagher provide an intimidating shot blocking presence in the paint while Kieran Paskewitz is a rebounding force like no other. The jump shooting duo of Michaal Handal and Kevin McNiff provide the squad strong outside shooting to counter the zone defenses opponents attempt to play. The team is coached by Tom Granville and John Gallagher.

One of the strengths of this 4th grade team is its ability to switch defenses on the fly often rotating from man to man, a 1-3-1 trap and a 2-3 zone. Not only does the team shut opponents down but the defensive effort results in many fast break opportunities. These 9 and 10 year olds push the ball up the floor minimizing dribble time while focusing on hitting the open man in transition.

The team is now preparing for the Island Garden playoffs with its first playoff game to be held Sun March 14th at Island Garden. You can follow this team and the other GCAA travel teams thru the Island Garden website, www.islandgarden.com