Here is more from various NVL boys coaches on the NVL championship game between Wilby and Crosby:
Wilby High coach Alan Piccolo
Here is what one of the combatants in the NVL final said:
Kennedy’s Armand LeVasseur
“They’ve played a two overtime game and a single overtime game. Both games have had great atmospheres and they’ve been competitive. Both teams are very gritty and they get after it.”
As far as predictions, that’s still up in the air with the coaches. The most definitive answer was from LeVasseur, “Wilby by four was the prediction that I just heard, but I don’t know. I just look at it as going to be another great game.”
Sacred Heart’s Jon Carroll
“Well, they’re 1-1 against each other at this point. Physically and athletically they’re so well matched.”
“I can’t predict a winner. I would say it’s too close to call.”
“These two teams are both very athletic. It’s going to be an up and down game.”
Holy Cross’ Ed Generali
“They’ve had two classics already, and I haven’t seen anything that points to anything other than the last 10 seconds of the game, and who has the ball last, deciding this one.”
“I feel that the team with the most points will win.”
“Both teams have players that get the headlines, but they’re also much more than just Walter and Tyshon. They have other guys that can score, rebound, and block shots. You can’t get to where they’re at without a great supporting cast, which they’ve both had all season.”
Crosby coach Nick Augelli
Here is what the other coach in the NFL final said:
Watertown’s Ed Sakl
“It’s going to be a great game, and at some point it’s going to come down to which floor general, meaning Walter or Tyshon, can take command of his team and put them on his shoulders for a few minutes and lead the way.”
“Tyshon is very physical, they (Wilby) will have to keep a body between him and the hoop at all times, and not let him dictate when he’ll get to the hoop.” He also added, “Crosby needs to limit the amount of good looks and easy penetration Wright gets. You have to know where they both (Rogers and Wright) are. They’re smart basketball players. It’s going to be a great match-up for sure.”
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this year’s NVL Championship will be won by a city school, that’s my prediction. They’re both great programs, they both have great leaders, and they both have a great supporting cast. Wilby has more of an advantage with its upperclassmen, but Crosby does have Devin Stallings, and he can make a huge difference in the paint. Taifa Wright can make a difference for Wilby. We’ve seen that in both games, and I expect that same think in the final.”
Woodland’s Tom Hunt
“Wilby needs to handle Crosby’s pressure up top and has to get by the first wave of defense to penetrate the zone. Wilby has done a great job with its guards and that’s why the first two game were so close.”
“If you’re truly a basketball fan then you’ll be at Wilby tomorrow night watching two of the state’s best teams. I’m looking forward to the game myself.”
“Crosby has the best player in the state with Tyshon Rogers, and Wilby’s Walter Wright is one of the best seniors. With Wilby missing (Stanley) Foote, someone will have to step up and fill that role. Crosby will have the advantage with Wilby not at full strength.”
Torrington’s Eric Gamari
“I don’t have a prediction, both teams are evenly matched. It really will come down to Walter (Wright) and Tyshon (Rogers).”
“From watching the second game on TV, it looks like it will come down to who makes less mistakes and who has less turnovers. Lex Perez certaintly will need to shoot well.”
