South Side riding hot streak

If South Side’s 61-29 victory over Kennedy last Friday is further indication, it’s safe to say the Cyclones are once again out to another torrid start.

The win was the 11th in a row for the defending Nassau Class A boys’ basketball champions, as four players finished with point totals ranging in double figures.

“We have a nice diversity level,” head coach Jerry D’Angelo said. “We have some kids that step up in different environments.”

Matt DeSena and Ryan Schmitt were the ones who emerged versus Kennedy, as they tied for the team lead in points with 12.

DeSena’s performance on the scoresheet was a welcomed sight for the Cyclones after he averaged 5.6 points over previous three outings. As one of its senior captains, DeSena is part of South Side’s heartbeat.

“He’s a kid that gets the pulse of this team very well,” D’Angelo said. “He figures out when kids need more encouragement. When kids aren't giving their best, he can tell you straight out.”

Overall, it’s been the three senior captains in DeSena, Ryan Kennedy and Patrick Mullin, who have spun the Cyclones.

Mullin had 11 points last Friday and led the team with 7 rebounds. “Pat is on fire right now,” D’Angelo said. “He's our intensity. He plays so hard, and the kids feed off his energy. He is like a horse for us. 'll call it the workman's attitude. Every day, he shows up and gives you his best.”

While Mullin has been an established presence the last few years including last winter’s run to county and Long Island titles, sophomore John Pericolisi has emerged as a key player in the lineup as the starting point guard.

Pericolisi is maintaining a steady point-per-game pace of just under seven and showing command of the offense.

“He's shown a good level of maturity,” D’Angelo said. “He brings a sense of composure about himself. Under pressure, he knows how to calm himself. He knows he’s able to be in big moments.”

Pericolisi’s big moment came a few weeks ago when he hit the game-winning jumper that helped South Side squeak out a 55-53 non-conference win over Kellenberg. It was the first time in several matchups that an opponent had stepped up to challenge the Cyclones.

At the very least, it was a deviation from the norm. The defending L.I. champions’ average margin of victory is 21.25 points.

“I'd like to think I'm a humble guy,” D’Angelo said. “I'm pretty stubborn when I hold to my standard. It's seeing the growth and development of the team from November to February. I don't get bored of that because it's a challenge every year. It's a challenge that I, as a coach, do look forward to.”

At 12-1 overall and leading Conference AA5 with a perfect mark through eight games, South Side will continue to be challenged with every team’s best effort in every game it plays down the stretch.

The Cyclones travel Roosevelt on Thursday for a 7 p.m. tip-off.