First-year coach Paul Cutaneo and his Spartans finished 2-21 after going into the season with high hopes. The 2-21 record doesn’t tell the whole story. The team lost six games by less than ten showing that they were in it for more than just two games. Head coach Paul Cutaneo feels the same way stating  “In our 23 games this year we were in almost every game until one run hurt us. Basketball is a game of runs and we were on the wrong side of them this year”.  Despite some tough times throughout the season, the team was able to still capitalize on their situation and finish with some high points for the year as well as build hope for the future of the program. 

A year with struggles like the team had this year can do two things to a program; make them crumble or get stronger. This Spartan group has plenty of optimism about their future proving that they as a group hope to be stronger as a team. Coach Smiegocki added to this idea saying “Some things I am looking forward to next year is the growth of the team after working hard in the off-season ... .There were areas for myself to grow as a coach, and there are areas for growth for our players as well. I am looking forward to a successful season.” The offseason for the Spartans was also mentioned by Coach Cut exclaiming “The real excitement is the off-season. We will be in the weight room and gym getting better every day. I know the young men who are returning are extremely hungry to turn this program into a competitive team that will shock some teams next year. Senior Avery Cannato also believes in the growth of the team saying “I think the future is going to be good for Steinert. We have a lot of guys who are going to work hard this summer and have great chemistry.”

The future of a team starts from the bottom up and for Steinert, this starts with the freshman team. Coach Flanagan took over as the coach of the freshman team, stepping down from his previous title of varsity coach. When asked about that transition and if there were any challenges along with that transition, he said “The biggest challenge was how to simplify the game and yet still keep the same expectations as a coach. Obviously athletically, mentally, and physically the game is much different at the freshman level but the goals are still the same.”

He had plenty of good to say about the team and the potential of this group saying “I would say the future looks very bright, we had a very athletic group come through this year.” Some specific players he named as standouts were Ryan Cromwell, Chase Whitman, Jayden Tirado, & Nico Feniello. He had high praise for the young Spartans mentioning how they played as a team saying “We had some standout performances from Ryan Cromwell, Chase Whitman, and Jayden Tirado, and Nico Feniello throughout the season but I would still say those come second to the team comradery and how they pushed each other throughout the season to get better.” Whitman, Cromwell, & Tirado joined Tommy Ditta & Carlo Giquinto on JV. 

Avery Cannato & Mert Yilmaz (Sr.) talked about some returning players who can make an impact next year. A list of these players includes Anthony Santucci, Aiden Leder, Jon Weaver, Joey Ditta, Cameron Popso, & Za’quan Cullers. Yilmaz described Santucci and Weaver as having “leader capabilities” as well as the potential of Za’quan Cullers & Aidan Leder becoming “elite scorers”. Mert continued his praise of Steinert’s future adding “There are several up-and-coming Spartan basketball players who have the skills and determination to lead the team in the future”. When Jr. Jon Weaver was asked about getting recognized for his leadership capabilities and what that means for his Sr. season he said “I love being a role model for the younger players and being able to be the guy people can turn to when adversity hits”

 The belief in the programs is strong that they will bounce back with a better 24-25 campaign at all levels from players & coaches. Coach Cut says it best himself “The JV & Freshman team also had a great group of guys that want to improve and will do it. I think the future is bright for the Spartans!”