Boys JV Basketball Attends Red Storm Game

by Talia Herbst, SSLI '25

Last night, Boys JV Basketball took a team trip to St. Johns University to watch the Red Storm, a Division 1 NCAA Men's team, play against the Blue Demons of Chicago's DePaul University. The game was streamed on Peacock and marked St. John's entry and first win in the Big East tournament at a final score of 89-61.

The boys had a blast watching the game. (S. Thorgersen)

The plan originated during a conversation between Assistant Principal Mr. Shawn Thorgersen and Math teacher Mr. Jeff Connelly, both of whom are doctoral students at St. John's University and fans of their school's basketball team. The two agreed that sharing the opportunity to watch Red Storm play might inspire Schechter students and provide insights for advanced play.

Coach Dylan Stephenson wanted his team to see what Red Storm does well. He told players to pay attention to “their hustle, the way they run the floor, the offensive schematics they use, and their commitment to boxing out for rebounds and making the most of each possession.”

Stephenson continued, “I also wanted them to take away how the team responds during a timeout, how they pick each other up and remain positive throughout the game, and their focus to level to their coach and their teammates.”

Sophomore Yoni Pedram took his coach's advice: “During the game, we were told by Coach Dylan to watch how they box out,” referring to a defensive technique that helps prevent the opponent from getting a rebound. Pedram was happy to attend the game and is “appreciative of the faculty that made the trip possible.”

Sophomore and team member Brian Melzer learned “what good form really looks like in a professional game." He felt that going to the game “was a really good learning experience and good for team bonding.” 

Stephenson concluded, “I believe our JV team was able to take a lot of these components away from the game and had a great time in doing so. The game had a wonderful atmosphere and was a great experience.”

Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org