Maspeth High School’s first-ever varsity basketball team boasted an undefeated record this season. Photo courtesy Anastasia Bitis
Maspeth High School’s first varsity basketball team can sum up their inaugural season in one word: perfect.
The school’s first-ever boys varsity team capped off its eight-game season with an undefeated record this month, putting the new school on the map in the Public School Athletic League. Team coach Anastasia Bitis said her group of 15 teens not only showed up and played their hearts out, but showed great maturity in getting there.
“This season was highly successful for us,” Bitis said. “We were able to attain the goals we set for ourselves and build our foundation. I believe the fact that we beat all of our opponents by more than 20 points really defined our season.”
At the beginning of the season, Bitis said she told her team she wanted an undefeated season as her Christmas present. In response, the head coach said her team played well against teams of all sizes – including some in higher divisions – at the high level of play they needed in order to win while still maintaining composure.
“They put their trust in me because I strongly believed that we had a special group of players. I knew we would be able to do this from our first scrimmage when I initially saw this team come together on the court,” Bitis said. “That was my goal for us from the beginning. This season was all about sending a message and making a statement.”
Her top players included Paolo Tamer, who netted 12 points and over four assists per game, Damian Piszczatowski, who secured 16 points and 10 rebounds per game and Ryan Rodriguez, who captured nine points, three assists and seven rebounds per game.
Bitis said her new team was comprised of mostly underclassmen, meaning they did not measure up to some of the other teams in terms of height and build. That was why the coach said she focused heavily on conditioning and speed during team practices throughout the season so their work ethic could propel them to glory.
But it was not all easy riding, the coach said.
“I think it was difficult for the players to not become complacent since we were not being challenged in our regular season,” Bitis said. “I had to continuously talk to the team about setting the tone for next year when we advance in division play. It’s difficult to play hard and practice hard day in and day out knowing that this season could not go past the regular play.”
Bitis said it was important her players stayed humble as they geared up for another season next year. Her coaching catch phrase has been that records do not mean anything until the season is over, and Bitis said she made sure her players know they will need to bring it even harder next year.
“We are very much looking forward to next year and the elevated play we will face. We are not graduating any of our players, which is extremely beneficial. I think that the team is excited and has already set high goals for next season,” Bitis said. “We are definitely planning on making a playoff run and potentially even win our division.”
By Phil Corso
