The Dalers boys’ basketball team (6-10 overall) hosted the Syosset Braves (6-9 overall) on Monday, Feb. 14. Regardless of the outcome, this would be the final game of the season for Farmingdale, who had not done well enough to qualify for the playoffs.
The game was preceded by the yearly “Senior Night” ceremony, which recognizes the seniors of the team and the senior cheerleaders as well.
This particular Dalers team had just two seniors on the roster, center James Schmachtenberg and guard-forward Nick Montanaro. Schmachtenberg suffered an arm injury and missed the second half of the season. Coach James Pastier rewarded Montanaro for his hard work through three years of school basketball with his first career start.
Montanaro had the thrill of scoring the night’s first points, making a layup while drawing the foul as well, in his final game.
The Dalers’ defense was tough on the Braves early, allowing just five points in the second quarter. At halftime, the Dalers led 27-15. Farmingdale’s defense was not as tough in the second half, as Syosset outscored the home team in the final two quarters. The Dalers held on, for a 56-50 victory to end the season on a positive.
Despite losing its seniors, Farmingdale has a very bright future on the court. Point guard Dalique Mingo, a sophomore, was consistently the team’s go-to-guy on offense this season. Mingo scored 22 points in this game, more than any other scorer, and added nine assists. Forward Kevin Petit-Ferar, another sophomore, added 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
The team also expects to retain current junior forwards DeAndre Fogan and Pierre St. Simon, who contributed 10 points on this night. Also expected to return, from the current sophomore class, are center Matt DiCarlo and guard Navreet Dhaliwal, and freshmen guards Curtis Jenkins and Jack Burke.
