Becton Basketball teams look forward to defeating rivals Hasbrouck Heights, Wood Ridge

Becton Girls’ Basketball has started this season off on a strong and steady foot. With a current varsity record of 2-2, the team is confident that a promising season awaits them. The girls’ next games will take place at Wood Ridge High School on January 13 and home against Wallington High School on January 15.

Senior Captain Tania Castro stated, “If no one gives up, we will have a good and improved season.” With a strong belief in her team, she leads them with her strong defense tactics, her shooting skills, and her starting position. Along with Tania, the other starters are Senior Danyelle Balaskovits, Junior Samantha Stallone, Junior Samantha Frola, and Senior Tanya Sanchez.

This starting five hopes to win the League Championship and advance in States. Captain Danyelle Balaskovitz added, “We have to focus on what we want. We need to play with heart and the things we want will come.” Being named best shooter by her fellow teammates, she will aim to keep Becton’s score up this season.

The team hopes to beat their biggest rival, Hasbrouck Heights, this year. With their strongest areas being teamwork and impressive ball movement, they have a high chance of accomplishing their goal. Averaging about 34 points per game, the girls continue to prove themselves as a challenging group. Ball handling and transition defense are being consistently worked on to conquer their weak points and become a well-rounded team.

Conquering the Becton Boys’ Basketball Team’s defense will create a huge challenge for all rivaling teams this year. From the start of the season, the boys have consistently shown their strongest area to be defense. Senior Geraldy Flores, the team’s best defender, is benefiting the group tremendously.

The boys hope to get to the State Play-offs with the help of their new coach, Coach Balaban. They also plan on working on their offensive skills and communication to better the team. Another major goal this season is to beat Wood Ridge, their biggest rival, on their home court on January 13 at 7 p.m.

This year’s starting players are Senior David Riano, Senior Geraldy Flores, Junior Danny Zimmerman, Senior Juwan Elcock, and Junior Justin Rosbero. Leading the team as captains are all of the senior boys. Every game, two senior boys are chosen to be the leader of the group. This creates a great spread of leadership, team involvement, and a great memory for all the seniors.

Brandon Sanchez stated, “I’m excited to be playing my last year of basketball.” With this bittersweet ending for senior players, many memories will be made as the season progresses.