1975-76 Championship Team to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame
By Warren Kozireski
Kendall has already equaled their win total from all last season with their ninth coming on February 2 against Attica, using a stifling man defense and a fast-paced offense to literally run away from many opponents.
All but one of their first nine wins were by double-digits, with their largest margin of victory being 40 points. And they have allowed more than 50 points only twice in their victories.
It’s been a bit of a family affair with two D’Agostinos and two Contes, along with junior Noah Morehouse as the core, with help from freshman Ryan Gaesser.
Junior CJ D’Agostino leads the team, averaging 14.8 points per game and in rebounding with 115 (53 offensive), while senior and cousin Vincent D’Agostino is second in points (13.9 ppg) and second in assists with 34.
Senior point guard (since senior starter Justin Rhodes was injured), Jonathan Conte led the squad with 64 assists, was second with 63 rebounds, and stood third on the scoring chart with 7.8 ppg, while freshman Samuel Conte was third in rebounding with 59 and chipping in seven points per game.
“We’re pretty unselfish on this team; our defense is our offense, we get the ball and get up quick,” Vincent D’Agostino said. “Our offense comes from our defense, and when we keep a strong defensive game, then our offense is always there.”
The Eagles were limiting opponents to shooting just 36% from the field, outrebounding them by 134 boards in 13 games, and combined for 150 steals.
“High intensity the whole game; even when we’re struggling on offense, we maintain a high intensity on defense,” Jonathan Conte said.
“We put a lot of energy into defense and rebounding…we have 15 to 20 assists every game, and I think that’s a beautiful thing,” noted head coach Kevin Rhodes. “We emphasize coachability, hard work, and being a great teammate. You might go 0-21, but if you can be those three things, you can build great memories and great experiences and relationships.”
Kendall last won a league title in 2014-15 and was the ninth seed last season for the playoffs before falling in the quarterfinals. As of February 3, they were slotted sixth in Class C1.
“We knew that we could come back, work in the offseason, and we can go deeper in sectionals this year, and that’s what we’re working to do,” Jonathan Conte said.
They will honor their past on Senior Night, February 12, when they will induct the championship 1975-76 boys basketball team, led by Roosevelt and Nate Bouie, into the Hall of Fame on their 50th anniversary. The team was ranked first by the New York State Sports Writers as the top team in the state after winning sectionals, the Genesee Region League, and 55 straight victories.
Provided information and photo
