Mount Sinai Boys’ Basketball: A Historic Run and a Bright Future Ahead
In what was nothing short of a legendary season, the Mount Sinai Mustangs Boys' Varsity Basketball team etched their names into school history during the 2025 winter campaign. Under the direction of Head Coach Ryan McNeely, the team not only posted a program-best 23-3 record but also captured their first-ever County and Long Island Championships, finishing as New York State Class A runners-up.
It was a season defined by selflessness, resilience, and team-first values. With a roster loaded with leadership, skill, and high character, the Mustangs soared past expectations and proved they were one of the premier programs in the state.
Elite Contributions Drive Success
Leading the charge was senior guard Dom Pennzello, whose remarkable season earned him First Team All-New York State, All-County honors, and the prestigious title of Newsday Suffolk County Player of the Year. Averaging an impressive 22.2 points per game, Pennzello was the team’s offensive engine and a clutch performer in big moments. His consistent scoring ability, combined with poise under pressure, was key to Mount Sinai’s postseason run.
Supporting Pennzello was junior forward Brian Vales, another All-County selection and 12th Team All-State honoree. Vales contributed 15 points and 9 rebounds per game, offering both interior presence and scoring balance. As a junior, his leadership and production foreshadow even greater things to come next season.
The team’s chemistry and unselfish style of play were bolstered by the Kolsch twins, Blake and Brock, both senior guards. Blake, the team’s primary facilitator, racked up a team-leading 144 assists over 26 games, a testament to his court vision and basketball IQ. Brock, meanwhile, added 9 points per game and dished out 90 assists, making him second on the team in that category. Together, the Kolsch twins were also the team’s best perimeter defenders, routinely tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s top shooters.
Junior forward Alex Campanelli anchored the defense in the paint and took on the toughest matchups at the forward spot all season. His defensive versatility made him an indispensable piece in the Mustangs’ puzzle.
Making History in 2025
From the very start of the season, it was clear something special was brewing. The Mustangs went undefeated in league play, asserting dominance in every gym they entered. The team’s deep experience—returning four starters from the previous year—was evident in their poise during tight contests. That calm under pressure would define their postseason success.
The highlight of the season came with back-to-back firsts: winning the County and Long Island Championships, milestones that had previously eluded the program. Their dramatic double-overtime victory over Byram Hills in the state semifinal stands as one of the most memorable games in Mount Sinai basketball history. Though the season concluded with a hard-fought loss to defending state champion Glens Falls in the NYS Class A Finals, the Mustangs had already solidified their place as one of the top teams in the state and set a new standard for the program.
Coach McNeely summed it up best: “Our team was a perfect combination of coachable, high-character, connected, and talented.”
Unsung Heroes and Bench Boost
Every great team needs depth, and Mount Sinai’s bench provided it all season, especially when it mattered most.
Senior forward Marcus Magloire, the team’s reliable sixth man, stepped up in critical moments with energy, rebounding, and defensive intensity. His experience and hustle gave the starters rest without any drop in performance.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was freshman guard Andrew McNeely, the coach’s son, who served as the seventh man and played a pivotal role during the postseason. His maturity beyond his years and ability to perform under pressure earned him valuable minutes on the biggest stage, foreshadowing a promising future ahead.
Leadership That Transformed a Program
The 2025 senior class will be remembered not just for wins and banners, but for how they transformed the culture of Mount Sinai basketball. A total of six seniors helped guide the team to new heights, both on and off the court. They modeled work ethic, discipline, and humility, showing younger players what it means to lead.
“They were great mentors for our younger players on the team-first concept and how to always do things the right way,” Coach McNeely said. Their legacy will be felt for years as the program builds on the foundation they laid.
Resilience in the Face of Pressure
Throughout the season, the Mustangs were tested by injuries, tight games, and high-stakes moments. But what made this team stand out was their ability to respond.
With experience gained from previous seasons and countless offseason games together, the players understood how to execute late in games. Their chemistry allowed them to thrive under pressure—never rattled, always focused.
Coach McNeely emphasized this composure: “One of the strengths of our team was they always kept their poise down the stretch of close games.” It was this mental toughness that carried them through the gauntlet of postseason play.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Core Returns
Although the Mustangs will graduate a decorated and talented senior class, the future remains bright.
Three of the team’s top seven players are returning, each with significant experience on the state stage. Brian Vales, Alex Campanelli, and Andrew McNeely will be tasked with carrying the momentum into next season. With Vales as a proven scorer and rebounder, Campanelli anchoring the defense, and McNeely entering just his sophomore year, the foundation is strong.
Coach McNeely is excited to see how roles shift in the offseason: “I’m excited to see which players fill in certain roles as the offseason gets going.” The competition in the gym will be fierce as younger players look to step into the shoes of graduating seniors.
Next Steps and Offseason Goals
As the offseason begins, the focus shifts to player development and role identification. Building on the chemistry, physical conditioning, and basketball IQ of this year’s group will be key. While no official goals were listed, it’s clear the Mustangs aim to sustain and grow from their historic success.
With a winning culture now firmly in place, the expectation is no longer just to compete, but to win and contend year after year.
Where to Follow the Mustangs
For fans, families, and recruiters looking to track the team’s progress, stats and updates can be found on MaxPreps, where the team’s performance from this historic 2025 season is archived in full.
Conclusion: A New Era for Mount Sinai Basketball
The 2025 Mount Sinai Mustangs didn’t just have a good season—they redefined what’s possible for the program. From record-breaking wins to state finals appearances, this was a group that bought in, battled hard, and believed in each other.
Coach McNeely and his staff cultivated a team-first culture grounded in accountability, character, and belief. As the seniors move on and a new core rises, the standard has been set—and it’s higher than ever.
Mount Sinai basketball has arrived. And they’re here to stay.
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