The Chaminade freshman basketball team displayed remarkable depth, teamwork, and determination in games 13, 14, and 15 of its season, boosting their record to an impressive 13-2. Each game brought out a unique aspect of the Flyers' attack, showcasing their ability to win in a variety of ways.
The freshmen hit the ground running against St. Mary's at the AAC on January 10, maintaining a fast pace and forcing turnovers to secure a commanding 70-46 victory.
By halftime, Chaminade had built a comfortable 15-point advantage, fueled by a strong defensive showing. Guard Derek Rodriguez was unstoppable, scoring 11 points to set the tone.
Robert Foschi was aggressive on the boards, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds while adding seven points.
The second unit also played a critical role, contributing 44 points. Liam DeLuca led the charge with nine points and delivered strong defense against the St. Mary's offense.
Just one night later, facing one of their toughest challenges this season, the Flyers traveled to Bishop Loughlin, where they secured a tightly contested 52-49 victory.
Neither team ever held a significant lead, making every possession seem critical. Bishop Loughlin's physical play tested Chaminade, but the Flyers remained composed. The core trio of Michael Minniti, Lucas Dillon, and Dean Caruso led the Flyers in these crucial moments.
In a postgame interview, Minniti was asked how the team felt with just under a month left in the season:
"This game proves we can win close battles," he said. "We have a really talented team that wants to win it all."
The Flyers wrapped up this three-game stretch on January 14 with a resounding 72-49 win at St. Dominic's.
Fernandez led the way with 18 points, including two three-pointers in the first half that helped Chaminade pull away early.
Mason Gottsegen had a stellar performance, contributing seven points and showcasing his defensive skills with three blocks. His numerous key defensive plays helped the Flyers thrive when it mattered most.
With their record now at 13-2, the freshmen Flyers are poised to make a deep run this postseason. Next up, they face Holy Trinity and Iona Prep, two high-scoring teams known for their aggressiveness. These games will test Chaminade's ability to stay composed under pressure and execute their game plan as they prepare for championship weekend in Uniondale.
