Nathaniel Hawthorne Middle School 74 may have just begun their 2023-2024 basketball season, but both the girls and boys teams are already prepared to finish strong with yet another victorious championship win. More specifically, the girls team is looking to defend their title and end the season with a three peat, which is unprecedented in the district 26 league. Meanwhile, with their last championship win being in 2022, the boys are working diligently to make their grand comeback. All parties involved, including the players, coaches and principal could not wait to share their goals, motivations, admirations, as well as their overall excitement for a new chapter this season and more.

Meet The Coaches

Head Coach Matthew Gibbs began his career at MS 74, when he was only 19 years old, while simultaneously earning his bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University. Even though a decade has passed since he began his professional career in coaching, his faith in his team and fellow staff members has never faltered. Coach Gibbs grew up watching those older than him play in his neighborhood park and eventually applied this knowledge onto the court while versing his friends. Additionally, his respect and fondness of basketball originated from studying the play style of NBA athlete, Tracy McGrady. Therefore, he utilizes his love for the game, to ensure he creates an environment for his players to evolve as an individual and grow passionate about the sport, as well as work together as a team.

Coach Mark Benson grew up in Philadelphia, where his interest in basketball piqued while playing from elementary school through some of his collegiate career. Within his youth, his NBA favorites were the prominent players, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, who according to Coach Benson, consistently gave the game 140% each time they stepped foot onto the court. He still carries this principle dear to his heart and thus habitually teaches the significance of it to his players.

Furthermore, the staff recently added a new addition to the team, who is also one of the science teachers at MS 74, to assist the players on a one-on-one basis. Fortunately, while studying for his master’s degree in education at Adelphi University, a pathway opened up for him to fully immerse himself in coaching. With an athletic background himself, considering he played college basketball, the coaches knew Courtney Green would be the perfect fit to bring more value to the Hawks. Similarly, to Coach Benson, Coach Green as well grew a tremendous and everlasting love for basketball after watching Bryant play, while still in grade school.

I see myself as a players coach. I’m very hands on with each player and work with them individually. I assist them with their own personal needs and skills. My passion for the game as I have gotten older has grown stronger to the point where, as long as the game is there I want to be involved, regardless of if I’m playing, coaching or watching others.

Coach Green

Goals For the 2023-2024 Season

Bearing in mind, the girls and boys teams are supervised under the same staff, all three coaches were aligned on their goals for this season. As role models, they wish to keep their players grounded by training them to maintain positive mindsets and strive for excellence regardless of the obstacles faced, along their journey to another championship. Additionally, the coaches emphasize the significance of outstanding teamwork.

I’m big on competing. They have to be aggressive on defense and always give 120%. I want them to play fast, create great offensive opportunities and share the ball.

Coach Gibbs

Even though the game has changed since I started playing, there is still that core aspect of teamwork. This is not an individual sport, in order to win you need your teammates not just yourself.

Coach Benson

The Lady Hawks consist of a majority of 8th graders, who have accompanied one another since the 6th grade, thus their chemistry is undeniably indestructible. Although they are returning from two back-to-back championship wins, all three coaches are instilling in them to avoid complacency within their achievements and rather maintain unwavering focus for the battles to come. However, there is no doubt in their minds, the girls will persevere to the very end.

Our girls are always prepared and ready to tackle adversity, even when they’re down they never give up, which is why they win.

Coach Benson

Nonetheless, the boys team is relatively new, accounting for only two returning players who held a grand role during the previous 2022-2023 season. Therefore, the coaches are actively working on bond building, establishing more togetherness and competitiveness, as well as boosting team morale along the way.

I want to personally help the 6th graders develop their skills and get them ready for their future in middle school basketball. Preparing the 7th graders to take on bigger roles for their final year in middle school is another objective I have set for myself. Lastly, it is vital I help grow the 8th graders’ intelligence and self-confidence for high school. I want them all to gain a new way to look at basketball as not just a sport, but something that can help them in life both on and off the court.

Coach Green

Ultimately, the coaches yearn for a season full of healthy players who will reach their overall potential, make it through the playoffs, beat their rivals and come out victorious in the championship. Even still, as the leaders of both teams, their aspirations for their athletes extend beyond MS 74. It is essential for the coaches to watch their players grow into respectable young adults, who will carry on the lessons they learned, into the next chapter of their lives.

Fordham University graduate, Principal Brandon Contarsy, who’s been in his position for four years now, shed light on his aspirations for this basketball season.

I hope our students always relish in being a part of teams and see the power in it. Working for something that is greater than just yourself is important, especially at a young age. The difficult situations they deal with in games will help them handle adversity outside in the world. The boys team’s success is dependent upon how well they can integrate new players, whereas the girls have a great sense of pride considering the chemistry they have had for years, so they must keep up their great work ethic. I want both teams to compete and play the game the right way which will lead to success.

Principal Contarsy

Although Principal Contarsy does not play basketball, he truly admires the spirit of the game and wishes for his student athletes to incessantly fall in love with it, as he has. In fact, he reminisced on being a die-hard Knicks fan since his childhood, while his earliest sport’s memory was watching the 1992 NBA finals with his father.

The Emphasis on Mental Stability & Strength

No matter how much a player practices and continuously works on their skills, sports are a mental game. Therefore, the Hawks’ coaches work overtime weekly to reassure their players, motivate them and build up their confidence perpetually. The Hawks teams have established a next play type of environment, in which they adhere to the principle of learning from their mistakes, rather than dwelling on them. Coach Gibbs, Benson and Green shared how vital it is for the teams to know how much they care for and truly desire to see them evolve into exceptional young adults, whether it be on the court or in their daily lives.

You can always be ready to dribble, but you need to be mentally ready to shoot. You can be the greatest athlete in the world, but if you’re not mentally prepared for the game you will be behind. Those who aren’t physically athletic as others can grow to be overall greater players, because they’re locked into the game. We take advantage of every second within our practices to encourage and advise them as much as possible.

Coach Benson

I’m transparent with them about what I’ve been through. I have dealt with a lot of rejection and bad experiences, so when I express to the players the challenges I have faced, it helps us bond and them to grow. You can still be successful regardless of any failures and mistakes. Although I did not play high school basketball, I did not let that deter me. Instead, I practiced hard and worked my way up to play college basketball.

Coach Green

The Importance of Being an Assiduous Student Athlete

Not only is MS 74 known for their athletic accomplishments, but in 2021 it was awarded the most prestigious recognition of being a National Blue Ribbon School, as a result of high academic excellence and being successful in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. As an earnest man himself, one of Principal Contarsy’s proudest moments was accepting this honor. Thus, he accentuated the essence of what MS 74 should represent.

We are not worthy of being a National Blue Ribbon School, unless we are great across the board. The girls and boys both making a championship right out of COVID, shows how great they are. We have an immense sense of pride and community with thanks to the coaches.

Principal Contarsy

Considering this, the staff has laid the foundation that school comes first and are focused on ensuring all athletes are immensely studious. Consequently, a code of conduct was implemented for all players, which prohibits them from failing classes, tardiness in attendance and handing in late homework. Additionally, maintaining at the very least a C average is required, although faculty encourages their students to aim for the highest of merits.

There is a direct correlation between keeping your grades up and staying on the court, you can’t do one without the other. I am always open to helping any of the players with tutoring if needed to keep them on track with school.

Coach Green

Middle school is a space where young adults learn time management. We make sure playing does not come at the expense of their studies. There is a level of understanding and flexibility when creating dates for exams, for all students, especially players, which is why our teachers are provided with the basketball games’ schedule in advance.

Principal Brandon Contarsy

It is important we prioritize all of our players being great student athletes on and off the court. If they’re disciplined in their schoolwork and in the hallways, they will be disciplined during their games and practices as well.

Coach Benson

From The Players’ Point of View

After attending MS 74’s first coed practice on Jan. 2, it was clear to see how passionate the players are for the game of basketball at such a young age. They took every opportunity to support one another, adhere to their coaches’ instructions, ask for help and most importantly work as a unified team. Throughout the practice, Coach Gibbs ran through a multitude of drills, keeping them on their toes every step of the way.

We don’t usually do coed practices, but I was pleasantly surprised with how well it went. I love how we looked coming back from Christmas break. This practice we focused on drills that will prepare us for the games this week, including offensive and defensive strategies, strengthening and conditioning, scrimmages, three-man weaves, layup lines, three on two drills, two on one drills, and running laps.

Coach Gibbs

Gratefully, three players from each team verbalized their athletic experience, as well as their perspective on the 2023-2024 season. Those who voiced their opinions were, 7th grader Skyler Chang and 8th graders Hunter Apotsos and Christian Freitas, from the boys team.

I play either point or shooting guard. I like being in control of the ball and distributing it to other players. I want our team to be more aggressive this year and always in attack mode. My personal goal is to be more attentive and careful with my decisions. My proudest moment is when I came off the bench last year and made a three pointer. This play was and still is a confidence boost for me. I loved making the coaches and team proud that day.

Skyler Chang

I am very open to receiving constructive criticism from my friends and vice versa. We have great chemistry, and everyone is nice. I love that my teammates and I work together, so they always know where I am on the court. As a team I want us to be more confident this season, and personally I want to be mentally strong throughout our games. Last year I was a 6th man, but I worked really hard, and today I am in the starting five.

Hunter Apotsos

I made the team in 6th grade and was the only 6th grader to do so, which I am so proud of. Now I play small forward, while sometimes taking on point guard if needed. I love to be able to shoot, drive the ball and sometimes lead the team. The best thing about playing here is the great chemistry I have all the way around with my coaches and teammates. I wish for our team to win the championship. Personally, I will work hard in all practices giving it my full effort, so I can one day be the best in the league.

Christian Freitas

Meanwhile, 7th grader Estella Gomez, and 8th graders Ava Yan and Caroline Hsieh from the girls team, spoke out as well.

As a shooting guard, my shots won’t always go in, but that motivates me to get in the gym as much as I can and get the ball in my hand. I love how this team supports each other. We’re friends but we go into a different mindset on the court, and we cheer each other on. I am certain we can win another championship. Also, both coaches said they will prepare us for our future in high school basketball if that’s what we want, so I look forward to that. I want to be a better teammate by communicating well, motivating the others and being more consistent in my performance.  

Estella Gomez

I am so proud of myself for being a part of the starting five as a 6th grader, and now I am a point guard. I love my position, because I can be an extension of the coach on the court, since I sometimes call the plays. I truly want our team to win our third championship in a row. With the community of friends and coaches I have, I know it’s possible. Personally, I want to increase my points per average this season.

Ava Yan

I truly enjoy getting to know my friends and building better teamwork with them on the court. As a shooting guard, I get an adrenaline rush from making jump shots and even sometimes layups on a fast break. I still want to make more shots, which is why I practice outside of school. I was most proud of our team when we won two championships back-to-back. It was great celebrating with the others. I hope for us to not quit, be consistent and go for the three-peat championship win.

Caroline Hsieh

The Hawks finished off their practice with a motivational team huddle, including both teams and staff. Coach Gibbs spoke about team camaraderie, the significance of applying what they learn during practice in their games and being disciplined towards a goal, ending with an exhilarating chant. 

Coach Benson dreams, one day the Hawks will look back on all the core memories they created with one another. Considering this practice was not only the first to be coed, but successful as well, Jan. 2, will be unforgettable.

Proudest Moments

Additionally, the staff shared their proudest moments of leading two extraordinary teams. Coach Green emphasized how basketball has taught him the significance of discipline, responsibility and teamwork, which have opened an abundance of opportunities for him. Therefore, he is overjoyed when he sees his players apply the same ethics to themselves.

Winning the girls championship game in 2022 with a team of mostly 6 graders, during my first year as a coach with them was powerful. Also, the first year coming back after COVID was very challenging mentally, but it was fun getting back to regular life, lifting school spirits and then winning the championship with the boys the same year.

Coach Gibbs

Watching former players take what they learn here, utilize it in their lives and be successful is so rewarding. We have alumni who continued their basketball careers into high school and beyond, into their collegiate career. I am so happy for each of them.

Coach Benson

MS 74’s Unbreakable Community

It is evident MS 74 has established a welcoming close-knit and reputable community for both of their basketball teams. The coaches and principal are the players’ biggest supporters, as they love to watch them grow into stupendous young adults. The Hawks have a lot on the line currently, but they never lose faith in themselves and continuously uplift one another. With their eyes set on two championship wins by the end of this season, the Hawks look forward to growing together as a team and earning what they have set out to accomplish.

I want them to be good people, and sports present really good challenges. Having an opportunity for our students to develop great communication, teamwork, as well as come out victorious, is a life skill, and I have no doubt in my mind they will achieve this.

Principal Contarsy