Nick Lee Shines as Sea Tops St. Peter’s 43-38 in Thrilling Finish

UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the St. Joseph by-the-Sea Vikings triumphed over the St. Peter’s Eagles with a score of 43-38 in a thrilling CHSAA showdown on October 27, 2023, in Huguenot, Staten Island. Junior guard Nick Lee showcased his clutch performance once again, scoring crucial points in the final moments to secure the victory.

Despite building an early lead, the Vikings faced intense pressure from the Eagles throughout the game. Each time Sea threatened to pull away, St. Peter’s clawed back, creating a tense atmosphere for the standing-room-only crowd. With just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Eagles narrowed the gap to a single point, heightening the drama.

Lee galvanized the Vikings when it mattered most, sinking back-to-back shots, including a pivotal three-pointer, within a 43-second span, pushing the Vikings ahead 35-29. “When the game gets close, I want the ball,” Lee stated confidently. “I trust myself and everyone around me.”

St. Joseph by-the-Sea improved to 3-1 overall, with all victories coming against local CHSAA rivals. The Vikings’ balanced attack featured standout performances from Nick Rebracca (11 points), John Paturzo (7 points, 5 rebounds), Luca Mineo (7 points), and Joey Moran, who sparked the team with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Head coach Mike Cortese praised his young team’s resilience and preparation, emphasizing their focus during practices and games. “We’ve been going from big game to big game, yet focusing in practice every day,” he said. “Everything you’ve been seeing is a result of great preparation.”

The Vikings primarily deployed a 2-3 halfcourt zone defense that stifled the Eagles’ offense for most of the game. St. Peter’s struggled with ball control, committing a staggering 22 turnovers and entering the fourth quarter trailing by 28-23.

As the final period unfolded, St. Peter’s aimed to capitalize on the scoring ability of their 6-foot-5 center Tyler Schoenberg, who led all scorers with 14 points. But every time the Eagles threatened to take control, the Vikings responded decisively. Moran’s hustle play and Mineo’s back-breaking three-pointer ultimately sealed the victory. “I’m just looking to give my team a spark,” Moran stated, highlighting his determination to lift his teammates.

The final moments showcased Lee and Rebracca converting free throws to maintain the lead, culminating in a hard-fought victory that has set the tone for the Vikings’ season. With their eyes set on upcoming challenges, the Vikings are poised for continued success this season.

As the teams look forward, fans can expect to see more thrilling matchups, with St. Joseph by-the-Sea demonstrating their capability to perform under pressure. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies their position within the competitive CHSAA landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates on high school basketball as the season progresses!