When thinking about athletes the first thing that usually does not come to mind is three piece suits and elegant dress. But, to celebrate their accomplishments and a hard fought season, the athletes of Evangel got together for their annual sports banquet. During the banquet, athletes are recognized for their commitment, dedication, and hard work. They put in countless hours of training and worked tirelessly to not only better themselves, but their teammates as well. What made this Banquet special was the relationship and bonds that these athletes shared with each other. True relationships are not formed over night; they take time to build and time to grow. They are rarely perfect. They have ups and downs and plenty of growing pains, but it is through these experiences that bonds are strengthened and lasting memories are made.
Recipients of awards are:
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Blanca Bayas- All Conference
Lily Morales- All Division
Boys JV Basketball
Michael Tolone- Regular Season MVP
Jesse Gomez- Playoff MVP
Samuel Garcia- All Conference
Wesley Pratt- All Division
Team Award- Regular Season Champions
Playoff Champions
Girls Varsity Basketball
Blanca Bayas- All Conference
Lily Morales- All Division
Boys Varsity Basketball
Jonathan Guzman – All Conference
Josiah Bonifas-All Division
Coach Wong- Coach of the Year
Boys Varsity Baseball
Samuel Garcia- All Conference
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Michael Tolone – All Conference
Elijah Gonzalez – All Conference
Joseph Wong
Athletics Director
Basketball
Boys Varsity
What makes a Team successful is not only their ability to wins games, but how they react to adversity. Down by 36 points in the 1st game of the season, what would you do? Quit, give up, allow your opponents to take what little confidence you had left? This was the situation we found ourselves in. This was the hand that we were dealt. How we reacted to this adversity would set the tone for the season. The whistle sounded, signs that the 2nd half had begun. The team that had entered the locker with their heads held low, were now on the court with a fire in their eyes. What happened in the past cannot be changed, but we can determine what happens next. With renewed confidence and determination, the Eagles fought hard to secure rebounds, dove for loose balls, and hustled on defense. With only 5 seconds left in the game we found ourselves down by 3 points. The ball was in-bounded to senior captain Jonathan Guzman who ran it down the court and was able to get off a shot at the buzzer, nothing but net. The Eagles had come back to tie the game. In the end the Eagles won by 2 points. What makes this game special was not that we won, what made it special was how hard we had to fight to accomplish our goal. This one game set the tone for the entire season. Hard work beats talent every time if talent doesn’t work hard.
Coach Wong
Basketball
Boys Junior Varsity
On Thursday, February 7th the #1 ranked Evangel Christian Eagles took on the number #2 ranked Staten Island Academy Tigers for the PSAA Boys Junior Varsity Championship. Lead by junior captain Michael Tolone and sophomore Samuel Garcia the Eagles jumped to a 14-6 half time lead. Coach Racoma’s words of, Defense wins Championships could be heard resonating throughout the gym. We need to be tougher defensively. Box out, rebound and make the smart pass, were his words during one of the time outs. Center Jesse Gomez and Timothy Bayonne fought to box out and secure rebounds, while forward Wesley Pratt and guard Nigel Giddens hustled to close out the shooters. The defensive intensity from both teams was remarkable. Neither team was willing to give up any points. But in the end, the Eagles came out ahead by a score of 39-29.
Coach Wong
Basket Ball Championship
Go JV Eagles
On Thursday, February 7th the #1 ranked Evangel High Eagles took on the number #2 ranked Staten Island Academy Tigers for the PSAA Boys Junior Varsity Championship. Lead by junior captain Michael Tolone and sophomore Samuel Garcia the Eagles jumped to a 14-6 half time lead. Coach Racoma’s words of, Defense wins Championships could be heard resonating throughout the gym. We need to be tougher defensively. Box out, rebound and make the smart pass, were his words during one of the time outs. Center Jesse Gomez and Timothy Bayonne fought to box out and secure rebounds, while forward Wesley Pratt and guard Nigel Giddens hustled to close out the shooters. The defensive intensity from both teams was remarkable. Neither team was willing to give up any points. But in the end, the Eagles came out ahead by a score of 39-29.
Sports Banquet 2012
When thinking about athletes the first thing that usually does not come to mind is three piece suits and elegant dress. But, to celebrate their accomplishments and a hard fought season, the athletes of Evangel got together for their annual sports banquet. During the banquet, athletes are recognized for their commitment, dedication, and hard work. They put in countless hours of training and worked tirelessly to not only better themselves, but their teammates as well. What made this Banquet special was the relationship and bonds that these athletes shared with each other. True relationships are not formed over night; they take time to build and time to grow. They are rarely perfect. They have ups and downs and plenty of growing pains, but it is threw these experiences that bonds are strengthened and lasting memories are made.
Recipients of awards are:
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Blanca Bayas- All Conference
Lily Morales- All Division
Coach Wong- Coach of the Year
Boys JV Basketball
Justin Diaz- Regular Season MVP
Wesley Bryant- All Conference
Jason Cherry- All Conference
Mike Tolone- All Division
Team Award- Undefeated Regular Season Champions
Playoff Runner Up
Girls Varsity Basketball
Blanca Bayas- All Conference
Lily Morales- All Division
Boys Varsity Basketball
Fred Sanchez- All Conference
Anthony Cabrera-All Division
Team Award- Playoff Runner Up
Boys Varsity Baseball
Samuel Garcia- All Conference
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Steven Rodriguez- All Conference
John Rezkalla- All Conference
Gabriel Monroig- All Conference
Team Award- Playoff Runner Up
Varsity Basketball
Boys Varsity Basketball
Our Boys Varsity Basketball team finished the regular season in 2nd place with 10 wins and 4 losses. Their best season to date. In addition to that accomplishment, they won the Portledge Invitational Basketball Tournament. These athletes put in countless hours practicing and preparing for the season and it showed. I am extremely proud of you all.
Special recognition went to the following: Portledge Tournament MVP/All Conference Players Fred Sanchez & Demetrius Johnson, All division Players Anthony Cabrera. Varsity Team: Larry Molina, Nick Singleton, Christopher Dickson, Matthew Suarez, Fred Sanchez, Demetrius Johnson, Anthony Cabrera, Matthew Gonzalez, Jonathan Guzman, Joseph Nadal, Josiah Bonifas.
Coach Wong
Boys JV Basketball Win Championship!
PSAA Champions
If something is handed to us we tend to undervalue it. However, if that same item or accomplishment is attained though hard work and perseverance, it is worth far more. The challenge this year was getting the team to look beyond their immediate accomplishments and pushing them to accomplish what they were fully capable of.
On Thursday, February 10th Evangel’s Boys Junior Varsity faced off against Columbia Prep for the PSAA Championships. During this game they showed what they were fully capable of. Smart passing, driving hard to the basket, good shot selection were just some of the things that contributed to their victory. Defense wins Championships, and the Eagles not only hustled to close out the shooters and box out their big men, but they owned the defensive boards. This was by far the best game that the Eagles have played all season. I am proud of you all and honored to have had the privilege of coaching you. Coach Wong
Boys JV Basketball
Bo Arnold – Playoff MVP
Wesley Bryant – All Conference
Larry Dos Santos – All Conference
Bo Arnold – All Division
Basketball
Words of Encouragement
Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
John Wooden.
Often we look at our accomplishments with such admiration, that we fail to realize that we could have done so much more with the gifts that God has given us. These athletes have so much God given talent. The challenge this year is getting them to look beyond their immediate accomplishments and pushing them to accomplish what they are fully capable of.
Coach Wong
Boys Basketball Teams
Boys Varsity Basketball Team
Boys Jr. Varsity Basketball Team
Boys Varsity Basketball Roster
Name
Johnathan Guzman
Grade
10
Number
35
Joseph Nadal
10
30
Josiah Bonifas
10
10
Matthew Gonzalez
11
5
Anthony Cabrera
11
24
Demetrious Johnson
11
1
Matthew Suarez
12
22
Christopher Dickson
12
40
Nicholas Singelton
12
20
Larry Molina
12
32
Fred Sanchez
11
11
Geordan Gibson
12
15
All News Below Is From The 2009-2010 School Year!
Sports Banquet
Celebrating our Athletes!
On Thursday, May 27th the gymnasium was decked out with beautiful lanterns, fishbowls on the tables, wonderful and unbelievable trophies. The students were dressed to the “t” and there was excitement in the air. All students received trophies and hoodies with their number and names on them. There were many special awards given…
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Becky Wong – Regular Season MVP & Martin Luther Tournament MVP
Karas Bonifas – All Conference
Amanda Roque – All Conference
Amanda Pabon – All Conference
Coach Wong – Coach of the Year
Boys JV Basketball
Anthony Caberera – Regular Season MVP
Demetrious Johnson – Playoff MVP
Matthew Gonzalez – All Conference
Demetrious Johnson – All Conference
Josiah Bonifas – All Division
Girls Varsity Basketball
Karas Bonifas – All Conference
Angie Arroyo – All Conference
Natalia Alverez – All Division
Boys Varsity Basketball
Geordan Gibson – All Conference
Sean Villalba – All Division
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Jonathan Bonifas – All Conference
Emerson Calvi – All Conference
Boys Varsity Baseball
Ronald Barillas – Regular Season MVP
Brett Bender – All Conference
Danny Suarez – All Conference
Bupe Kunda – All Conference
Nick Singleton – Honorable Mention
Coach Berrios – Coach of the Year
BASKETBALL
BASKETBALL
“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character.” – T. Allan Armstrong
To date, this has been Evangel Christian Schools finest basketball program thus far. We believe that in order to have a successful program our athletes not only need to be committed and invested in the team, but also to our philosophy and vision. In today’s society core values such as loyalty, dedication, selflessness, and hard work have seemed to be forgotten. Often corners are cut leaving projects incomplete or one is willing to sacrifice another to get ahead in the workplace. Our goal is to get a group of athletes to whole-heartedly believe and practice these core concepts. If you can succeed in instilling these values within your players, not only will they succeed on the court, but more importantly they will be successful in life.
Our Boys Varsity Basketball team made their first ever appearance in the Private School Athletics Association (PSAA) championship game this year. Every single game was a struggle to win. But, it was their dedication, motivation, and commitment to each other that allowed them to persevere. We ended last years season not only with a list of goals to complete this year, but with a list on how to achieve these goals. Captains Joaquin Pardo, Jonathan Bonifas, and Geordan Gibson not only challenged each other, but their teammates. There was no such thing as an easy practice. If you left practice with energy, then you were holding out on the team. You gave your everything during practices hoping to leave better then when you first set foot on the court. We were not naive as to think things would be handed to us, but we believe that if we embodied these core values our game/life would reflect our ethic. We ended the regular season tied for second place with a record of 6-4 and were runners up in the playoffs. I am very proud of you guys and I only hope that you not only take these values with you as you go beyond high school, but apply them in everything you do.
This has been the first year we have had a Girls Varsity Basketball team. We decided to go varsity after last year’s junior varsity semifinals game. “Coach, we know we can compete on the varsity level.” Our girls are always looking for a challenge. They never shy away from one, rather they welcome it and rise to the occasion. Practices were electric and full of energy. Often making our full court games rather interesting. We ended the regular season in second place and third overall. I have had the pleasure of coaching many of these girls for threes years and it has been a privilege to watch them grow.
If one word could be used to describe our Boys Junior Varsity Basketball team it would be talented. From as early as tryouts, they were told that there would be a direct relation between winning and the work they put in. “Lets get started,” was their response. We began the season hungry and as the season progressed that feeling got stronger. Not only were they focused on winning the Championship, but on improving their skills so they could compete next year on the varsity level. Leadership is a quality that all coaches pray their athletes possess. To find one or two is a rarity. I have been blessed to have several players demonstrate this desired quality. We finished the season as Undefeated Regular Season Champions, with a record of 10-0 and went on to claim the title of Playoff Champions. What a season you guys. We set out for a perfect season and we accomplished it. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year.
When other coaches hear that I am the coach of all three teams they cannot believe it. “I have enough headaches with just one, how can you possibly do three?” they say. I think about this question often and when I do I begin to smile. Our student athletes at Evangel are unlike no other. They have a fire burning within them, something that leaves a lasting impression. They are willing to work hard and be pushed to their limits. They are diligent and encouraging. They are responsible and are hands down leadership material. With students like this how could anyone not want to be involved? I know I told you this already, but you guys are my pride and joy. When I hear parents bragging about their 2 or 3 children I laugh because I get to brag about 37 of mine.
~Coach Wong
Special Awards & Recognition:
Boys Varsity Basketball: Senior Sean Villalba All Division. Junior Geordan Gibson All Conference.
Girls Varsity Basketball: Senior Natalia Alverez All Division. Juniors Karas Bonifas & Angie Arroyo All Conference.
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball: Sophomores Demetrious Johnson All Conference & Playoff MVP. Anthony Cabrera All Conference & Regular Season MVP. Matthew Gonzalez All Conference. Freshman Josiah Bonifas All Division.
Congratulations to all!
MS Basketball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 3, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Cortes, 718-937-9600 x2361 or hcortes@ecsnyc.org
There are still amazing people in our community who give their time, heart and compassion to invest in the children of Long Island City and the surrounding neighborhoods!
Evangel Christian School is pleased to reinstate our boys Middle School basketball sports program for students from 6th to 8th Grade, we are so happy to be a part of the Q.S.A.A.L. League started by Mr. Dwayne Cumberbatch. The Evangel team is off to an amazing start in their first season with a 6-1 record! This team was started in large part due to the volunteer coaching provided by our amazing coach and community supporters, Mr. Peter Garcia who for years has volunteered and coached for our local YMCA in Long Island City. These gentlemen truly care about this community and continue to give back to it by investing in the young people of Long Island City and the surrounding neighborhoods
“We are just so thrilled for our students and thankful to our new coaches dedication and willingness to be mentors. Their volunteer efforts do more than just provide a basketball team, they help keep youth busy in the hours after school when a parent is typically working and also provides these children with a safe and fun place to go on the weekends. This basketball team continues to build on the sense of community created at Evangel and is a wonderful blessing for our school and the community. Not to mention this is an amazing start to a first year program, 6-1 in the first season is just outstanding!” Principal Marko said.
Evangel Christian School is (ECS) a nonprofit, diverse school with more than 500 students in pre-kindergarten through high school. Founded in 1985, ECS holds an Absolute Charter from the New York State Board of Regents. Evangel Christian School is located at 39-21 Crescent St., Long Island City, New York. For more information, call 718-937-9600 or visit www.ecsnyc.org
Eagles take League Championship in a 94-39 sweep!
In an exciting end to the season Evangel Eagles Junior Varsity Basketball Team takes home the championship! Playing against Staten Island Academy, Evangel pulls off a 94-39 win! Evangel ends the season with an undeafeted regular season record of 10-0! Congratulations to the entire team and to Coach Wong for an amazing season! Special recognitions: Regular Season MVP – Anthony Cabrera,Playoff MVP – Demetrious Johnson, All Conference – Demetrious Johnson and Matthew Gonzalez, All Division – Josiah Bonifas. Way to end the season!
Boys Varsity Basketball Roster
Jonathan Bonifas
Joaquin Pardo
Sean Villalba
Edwin Colon
Daniel Suarez
Brandon Robinson
Geordan Gibson
Tim Velez
Christopher Dickson
Larry Molina
Nick Singleton
Frederick Sanchez
Boys Jr. Varsity Basketball Roster
Matthew Suarez
Demetrious Johnson
Matthew Gonzalez
Anthony Cabrera
Fabian Griffiths
Jimmy Anderson
Jeremy Perez
Joseph Nadal
Larry Dos Santos
Xavier Grier
Johnathan Guzman
Daniel Mathis
Josiah Bonias
Vincent Sanchez
Go Eagles!
It’s one thing for me to push you to become a better player, but you need to push each other. The only way you can truly do that is by “going hard” each and every practice, holding nothing back and as a result those around you will start to rise to the next level. If we can do that, then nothing can stop us.
If I had to use one word to describe both the Boys Varsity & Junior Varsity basketball team it would have to be, “Hungry.” They are hungry to be better basketball players then the previous day, hungry to represent their school, and hungry to win. Both teams have started this year’s season 3-0 and they are hungry to play the game that they Love so much.
All News Below Is From The 2008-2009 School Year
Sports Banquet
I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion by Mia Hamm. After an intense and exciting year, members of our sports teams came together to celebrate their accomplishments and reflect on all the, “funny” moments they had throughout the year. We started off our night with lots of laughter, watching slideshows of the athletes when they were younger. After laughing at each other’s baby pictures, we opened up the microphone to anyone that had a funny story about the team; needless to say many took this opportunity. Muhammad Ali once said, “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.” Our athletes have something that many others lack and that is a genuine passion and love for the game. They play not because of the recognition that it brings, but because it is an extension and expression of whom they are. I thank God for my Athletes and all that they have taught me. They could not have made my first year as Athletics Director any better then it already was.
-Mr. Wong
Middle School Basketball
Our Middle School Boys had a phenomenal basketball season coming in both 2nd place during the regular season, as well as second place overall. The amount of growth and maturity that each player has developed throughout the season can be attributed to their hard work, determination, and attitude. This year I have been blessed with two amazing coaches, Mr. Peter Garcia & Mr. Gary Garcia. They have spent countless hours practicing, mentoring, and developing their athlete’s abilities and skills, all in an effort not only to get their athletes to be able to play High School Basketball, but for them to become better individuals. Congratulations Middle School Eagles on a great season.
Middle School Team: Jonathan Guzman, Joseph Nadal, Larry Dos Santos, Xavier Grier, Eli Morales, Tysheem McCaskie, Jason Cherry, Wesley Bryant, Raylee Cuadrado, Sam Garcia, Daneil Byrne, Carl Roberts Jr, and Christopher Reyes.
Great Season
Our Boys Junior Varsity team finished in 5th place with 9 wins and 6 losses and made it all the way to the semi-finals! The Boys Varsity team finished in 4th place with 8 wins and 8 losses and made it to the Semi Finals in the Playoffs. Special recognition went to the following: All Conference Players Joquin Pardo & Matthew Gonzalez – All division Players Jonathan Bonifas & Demetrius Johnson – Congratulations to both teams! JV Team: Demetrius Johnson, Matthew Gonzalez, Brandon Robinson, Mikkel Phillips, Guillermo Rosario, Larry Molina, Nick Singleton, Jeremy Perez, Fabian Griffiths, Anthony Cabrera, and Jimmy Anderson. Varsity Team: Joshua Crutch, Justin Hornedo, Joquin Pardo, Jonathan Bonifas, Sean Villalba, Daniel Suarez, Edwin Colon, Timothy Velez, Geordan Gibson.
Coach Wong
Goooooooo EAGLES! Cheering, Pompoms, Pictures Flashing, Team Members, and Plays were all part of our Pep Rally. this was all part of our Spirit Week Students in 6-12 grades had very special days the week of November 17-21. Each day students represented a different theme: Monday – Favorite Sports Team, Tuesday – Funny Hat and Feet Day, Wednesday – Twin Day, Thursday – School Spirit, Friday – Country Day (dress in the colors of your nationality). Elementary School enjoyed: Wednesday – Favorite Color Day, Thursday– Favorite Stuffed Animal, Friday – Funny Feet And Hat Day.
On Thursday, during the latter half of the c day, Middle School and High ch gathered in the gym for our Pep Rally. All our team members were hailed and there were fun contests and prizes given out. This was a great way to get us ready for the first double-header of the year.
Make sure to check out our “Galleries” to view lots of adorable pictures.
Basketball Tryouts
Coach Prawel will be holding Boys Varsity Basketball tryouts for 10th – 12th graders on Wednesday and Thrusday, October 29th & 30th from 4:30-6:00PM. Junior Varsity Boys Basketball tryouts for grades 8th – 10th will be held on Wednesday & Thursday, October 29th & 30th from 3:00-4:30PM.
All news below is from the 2007-2008 school year.
Lets Go Eagles!
Our Boys Junior Varsity Basketball team finished in 2nd place with 10 wins and 5 losses and were the Playoff champions! The Boys Varsity team finished in 3rd place with 11 wins and 9 losses and made it to the Semi Finals in the Playoffs. Special recognition went to the following: Playoffs MVP – Daniel Copersino; All Conference Players – Craig Bender, Luis Alers, Daniel Copersino; All division Players – David Slater, Jonathan Bonifas, Daniel Suarez, Timothy Velez, Geordan Gibson. Congratulations to both teams! JV Team: Kevin Franco, Daniel Copersino, Edwin Colon, Daniel Suarez, Sean Villaba, Ryan Diaz, Timothy Velez, Larry Molina, Geordan Gibson, Demetrius Johnson, Matthew Gonzalez. Varsity Team: Carlos Suero, David Bonifas, Luis Alers, Juda Martin, Craig Bender, Joshua Crutch, Brian Rodriguez, Justin Hornedo, Joquin Pardo, Jonathan Bonifas, David Slater
Our Middle School Boys had a phenomenal basketball season coming in both 2nd place during the regular season, as well as second place overall. The amount of growth and maturity that each player has developed throughout the season can be attributed to their hard work, determination, and attitude. This year I have been blessed with two amazing coaches, Mr. Peter Garcia & Mr. Gary Garcia. They have spent countless hours practicing, mentoring, and developing their athlete’s abilities and skills, all in an effort not only to get their athletes to be able to play High School Basketball, but for them to become better individuals. Congratulations Middle School Eagles on a great season.
