By Veritas Staff
March 14, 2024
ROCKLAND - Two current Rockland varsity basketball players and one former varsity basketball player won Hoops Hysteria on March 12.
Mr. Matt Anzalone, a math teacher who played basketball at RHS from 2009-2013, joined seniors Jordan Depina and Kay-lijah Oehlschlagel defeated the team of Mrs. Sharon McGonnigal, junior Daniel Johnson, and junior Dalantay Mack.
The tournament, which raised approximately $200, was played in a double-elimination format in the middle school and high school gyms. The money raised will go to the freshman class.
Going into the tournament, Mr. Anzalone was confident that his team would secure a victory.
“We joined forces, similar to the Power Rangers. Kay brought shooting, Jordan brought toughness, and I brought the good looks,” Mr. Anzalone said.
Mr. Anzalone said it was a very well-run event, and he appreciates all the people who worked to put it together for the school.
The tournament was run by Ms. Ashley Leighton, the freshman class advisor, alongside the freshman class advisors. Mady Moriarty is class president, Grace Doherty is vice president, Nola Finn is secretary, and Mitchell De Araujo Silva is the treasurer.
Hoops Hysteria was a reimagined version of the former Nets for Nets tournament that used to be held at Rockland High.
Ms. Leighton said, “I hope more teams sign up in the future and that teams design shirts or costumes around their team name like people used to do for Nets for Nets.”
Since it had been several years since a tournament like this had taken place, Ms. Leighton had to recruit some of the students to be on a team so they’d have enough teams for the bracket.
“They were nervous at first, but they said they had so much fun and would definitely play again next year. I want the rest of the school to hear how much fun everyone had and not worry about being good at basketball. You can still have fun even if you have little basketball experience!” Ms. Leighton said.
Teams had to consist of at least one faculty member and one female player. Staff players included Mr. Jared Lordi, business teacher; Dr. John Harrison, principal; Ms. Julia DiCanzio, science department chair; Mr. Pete Harrison, SAIL teacher, and Ms. Kara Penney, history teacher.