ALUMNI

Saint Joe's Star Shines in the NBA Finals

By Richie Adenau

Published On 6/6/26

The New York Knicks are putting together one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history. As the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, New York opened its postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. After a Game 3 loss on April 23 left the Knicks trailing 2-1 in the series, the team responded in a big way. Since that defeat, the Knicks have not lost a game, winning 13 consecutive games while outscoring opponents by a combined 273 points. They closed out the Hawks in six games before sweeping both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite entering the NBA Finals as underdogs against the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks have continued their incredible run, winning the first two games of the series at San Antonio. For the Spurs to win the series, not only do they have to go through a red-hot Knicks team riding a 13-game winning streak, but also make NBA Finals history. After dropping the first two games at home, San Antonio faces the daunting task of becoming the first team ever to recover from an 0-2 Finals deficit after losing both opening games on its home court. Now, with the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are just two wins away from capturing their first NBA championship since 1973 and completing one of the greatest playoff runs the NBA has ever seen.

Saint Joseph High School alumnus Karl-Anthony Towns has been one of the driving forces behind the Knicks' playoff success. Through New York's first 16 postseason games, Towns has averaged 17.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. While continuing to score at a high level, he has evolved into one of the team's primary playmakers, averaging a career-high assist total for a playoff run. His ability to create opportunities for teammates has made New York's offense even more dangerous.

However, Towns' impact goes beyond the stat sheet. In the NBA Finals, he has been tasked with defending Victor Wembanyama, who finished third in MVP voting. Through physical defense and relentless effort, Towns has forced Wembanyama out of his comfort zone and into several costly mistakes. Long criticized by some as not being a physical player, Towns has answered those doubts by matching one of the league's most dominant stars with toughness and intensity on both ends of the floor.

Towns' offensive versatility has also created major problems for San Antonio. Widely regarded as the best three-point-shooting center in NBA history, he forces Wembanyama to defend far from the basket. This allows the Knicks to space the floor with a five-out offense, opening driving lanes for guards and wings while preventing Wembanyama from using his elite rim protection in the paint. As a result, Towns has become one of the biggest reasons New York finds itself just two wins away from an NBA championship.

As the Knicks chase their first championship in more than 50 years, Towns has proven that his value goes far beyond points and rebounds, establishing himself as one of the most important players in New York's historic playoff run.

Brandon Bielak '14 Honored as jersey number is retired

By Richie Adenau '27

On February 3, Saint Joseph High School welcomed back alumnus Brandon Bielak '14 to have his jersey number retired during halftime of the varsity basketball game against Sayreville. The ceremony recognized his outstanding achievements as a Falcon.

"It was a pretty special moment," Bielak said in a recent interview.

Bielak was a standout pitcher at Saint Joe's, finishing his high school career with 159 strikeouts and only 20 earned runs. In 2014, he won the GMC Player of the Year and led the Falcons to a GMC Tournament Championship. His outstanding high school career earned him induction into the Saint Joseph High School Hall of Fame.

After graduation, he went on to play in college at Notre Dame and in the minor leagues. He then went on to play in the MLB for the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros, winning a World Series ring.

Bielak's jersey retirement serves as an inspiration to current Saint Joseph High School student-athletes, showing that determination and hard work can lead to playing at the highest level.

Kyle Moyer '22 and Spyne! rock crossroads for their annual Merry SpynemAs Christmas show

By Casey Fugere '26

Kyle Moyer has come a long way from spear-heading the first ever Saint Joe's Battle of the Bands several years ago in the Catanzaro Cafeteria. What started as a way for students to enjoy playing music and entertain their peers after school turned into a way of life for Kyle, the lead singer and guitarist of his band, Spyne!.

Spyne!'s performance as Garwood's famous Crossroads bar and music venue on December 28 was the third annual Merry Spynemas Christmas show, which has become a holiday tradition. Spyne! played for an hour, entertaining a crowd filled with friends and fans alike, including several Saint Joe's alums, with songs ranging from Spyne! originals to covers of both Rock and Christmas classics.

Crossroads have played host to legendary rock bands like Thursday, Everclear, The Bouncing Souls, and the Gaslight Anthem. Spyne! has also played several headlining shows at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, including as part of their famous Summer Stage series.

The opening act, Heart Break, also featured Saint Joe's alumni in front man Tony Caicedo '19 and bassist Bryan Eidson '19. Both Heart Break and Spyne! are planning to return home to Saint Joe's for the upcoming Battle of the Bands that will take place in the Spring.

Check out more from Spyne! on their instagram below!

Unsung Waters: The Story of an Olympian Rowing Alumnus

Written by: Saahir Vazirani '26

Edited by: Santino Oliveti '26

Steve Quagliano, an influential figure in the rowing world, has carved out a multi-decade rowing legacy. His journey through the sport is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership, marking him as a distinguished member of the rowing community. The helm of this journey has been Tom Langowski ‘03, the head coach and founder of the Saint Joseph High School Rowing program since 2008, who knows Steve not only as a Saint Joseph and Manhattan College Alumnus but also as a colleague and friend.

Steve's interest in athletics was evident early on, though initially in a different sport. He played baseball from a young age and continued to play throughout high school. It was only at Manhattan College that Steve truly found his calling in rowing. Despite being a walk-on to the college team as a coxen, he quickly proved himself. During his college career, he became a three-time finalist in the Dad Vail Championships, one of the most prestigious collegiate regattas in the United States. However, his collegiate journey was not a smooth path. In his senior year—a time when the head coach was on leave—Steve essentially took on the role of the coach, guiding his team with wisdom that was well beyond his years.

His achievements on the water earned him an invitation to the New York Athletic Club, an elite organization known for its private social club and premier athletic facilities. The club provided Steve with an unparalleled platform to hone his skills and compete amongst the best. While competing with them, he accumulated 28 US National Championship titles and 12 Canadian Henley titles.

Following these various rowing accomplishments, he earned a bid to participate in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. At the pinnacle of his rowing career, Steve had managed to go from a walk-on with no experience to being invited to any rower’s dream competition. Due to his love for the sport, Steve continued to involve himself by coaching the US Junior National Team and Men's National Team. Steve continues to be a member of the NYAC rowing team and was the previous Director of Rowing at Norwalk River Rowing. Currently, he serves as the Girls High Performance Co-Head Coach at Maritime Rowing Club.

Steve Quagliano’s rise through the ranks of rowing—from baseball player to Olympian and beloved coach—is an inspiring tale of growth, achievement, and commitment to the sport. Steve has not only achieved personal success but has also left an evident impact on rowing, inspiring future generations to follow their aspirations with the same enthusiasm and perseverance as he has.

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