As the fall season winds down and the weather grows colder, the focus of both athletes and fans at Horace Greeley High School shifts from fall sports like football and soccer to basketball. In recent years, basketball has been a sport of great success for the school with the 2020 team standing out as the most accomplished in recent memory. Under the leadership of Coach Matt Simone in his first season, the team put together a remarkable 19-game winning streak, captured their first sectional title in 40 years, and delivered a thrilling buzzer-beater to advance to the state semi finals, which were ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since that unforgettable season, the Quakers have faced some challenges, failing to replicate the same level of success. In the past two seasons, they have posted a combined record of 22-20, with identical 11-10 regular season records in both years, and have struggled to make a deep playoff run. However, this year’s team is determined to return the program to its 2020 glory, and with a roster brimming with talent and experience, the dream of a county center appearance is possible.
The Quakers’ hopes will be led by star guard Zach Boyriven, who is looking to build on a sensational junior season. Boyriven is an electrifying player, known for his elite shooting and playmaking abilities. His unique combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Standing at 6’3″, Boyriven’s lanky frame gives him a significant advantage on the offensive end, where he can attack the basket, create shots for teammates, and knock down shots from anywhere on the court. His size also gives him an edge on the defensive side, and it will be fascinating to see how Coach Simone utilizes him in different roles to exploit mismatches.
Boyriven will be joined by senior guard Ayden Smith, an experienced player who also brings solid shooting, perimeter defense, and leadership to the backcourt. Alongside them, the team has a dynamic duo of younger guards — sophomore Levi Sack and junior Alex Horowitz — both who possess tremendous speed and agility. Horowitz and Sack were standout players on a highly successful JV team last year, before their stellar play gave them a spot on the varsity squad. With their energy and skill, the guard play will likely be a major strength for the Quakers this season.
In the frontcourt, Greeley boasts a talented and experienced group of forwards. Seniors Ryder Goodman and Jonny Sala bring athleticism, strength, and leadership, each contributing to three varsity sports at Greeley. Their toughness and versatility will be key for the team, both in terms of rebounding and defense. Junior Jaxon Thomas, an elite shooter who showed promise as a contributor at the end of last season, will also add depth and potential to the forward rotation and is primed for a big year two.
One of the most important players for the Quakers this season will be senior Jordan Nadel. Standing at 6’3″, Nadel anchors the defense as one of the team’s primary forces in the paint. His ability to protect the rim, help his teammates, and take charges will be critical to Greeley’s success. He’s known for his high basketball IQ, toughness, and leadership, all of which make him a vocal presence on defense. His knack for disrupting opposing offenses will be a major factor in Greeley’s defensive schemes this season. If Nadel can stay out of foul trouble and continue to anchor the Quakers’ defense, he’ll be a key contributor in their quest for a sectional title.
While Greeley’s lineup is filled with talented players, the team also gained valuable experience this fall during the off-season, when they competed in a fall league featuring many teams from Section 1. The Quakers put together an impressive performance, beating some of the top teams in Section 1 including Yorktown, Ossining, and Suffern. While the Fall League doesn’t count toward the regular season record, it’s a strong indicator of the team’s potential and chemistry. Greeley’s ability to compete at such a high level in the league — which included games against perennial powerhouses — speaks to the talent and depth they possess this season. This experience should give the team confidence as they move into the regular season and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The one area where the team faces a potential challenge is in size. While the Quakers don’t have a traditional “big man” towering over 6 ‘5″, they do have a strong group of versatile players who can rotate between the forward and center positions. Nadel, along with junior Jake Sheehy, will play key roles in Greeley’s frontcourt. Sheehy has made a major jump this offseason and brings a combination of skill, athleticism, and explosiveness that will allow him to defend against taller, more traditional post players while also being able to outrun them in transition. If Nadel, and Sheehy can effectively manage the paint, dominate the boards, and execute Coach Simone’s defensive schemes, the Quakers will have one of the most formidable frontcourts in the section.
With a deep and talented roster, led by Boyriven’s scoring ability, the Quakers have the potential to make a serious run at the sectional title. The key to success will be their ability to capitalize on their strengths, particularly in guard play and team defense, while overcoming the challenge of size in the paint. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, this Greeley team has all the tools to return to the top and deliver another memorable season. The 2024 Quakers are hungry for success, and with players like Boyriven, Nadel, Smith, and the rest of the roster, they’re primed for a deep playoff run and a shot at reclaiming the sectional crown.