Submitted by Lynn Skoblicki, Island Trees Athletics.
The Island Trees boys basketball team has taken a strong step forward this season. With quality wins against Locust Valley, Carle Place, Valley Stream North, Clarke and Mineola, the Bulldogs currently sit at 5-9 overall in Conference A-IV.
Captains Anthony Acevedo and T.J. O'Connell have done a stellar job leading the team this season, keeping the team focused and working hard each day. Acevedo has had a number of huge games for the Bulldogs, averaging just under 12 points a game and regularly contributing double-digit rebounding efforts.
O'Connell has taken on the task of defending the best wings in the conference and has been an asset all season. Senior point guard Vincent Vetrone has had a strong start to his final season with the Bulldogs. Vetrone is both the top assist man and the team's leading scorer, averaging 12.6 points a game. He has reached the 20 point plateau four times this season and currently finds himself in the top 25 for 3-pointers made in Nassau County.
Junior Forward Andrew Kramer is also finding success on the floor this season, both in the scoring column and rebounding the basketball. He has contributed multiple double doubles this season, including a 16 point, 15 rebound effort against Clarke in the team's most recent victory.
Seniors James Carabott, Zachary Dolgos, Brendan Beiersdorfer and Junior Daniel Connelly have all made a considerable impact in games this year as well. All four boys are regular contributors and do a strong job defending their positions, and their play has been a large part of the team's success.
The team's primary goal this season has been to improve every day. All 16 players have been working daily, providing excitement and optimism for both the remainder of this season and the future of the program.
The Bulldogs have three games left in the regular season, facing Clarke on Friday, Feb. 1, Valley Stream North on Feb. 5 and Roosevelt on Feb. 11.
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