Josh Rivera, the lone senior on the Stepinac roster, has emerged as the marquee player for the upcoming campaign. After a period of physical development, he now patrols the paint as a mobile 6‑foot‑7 presence, favoring attacks on the rim over perimeter shooting. His scoring average of 8.1 points per game last season earned him multiple college offers, signaling that his impact extends beyond the Catholic High School Athletic Association.
Tommy Wolf, a shooting guard with a linebacker mentality, led the Iona Prep Gaels in scoring last year and returns as a core piece alongside classmate Mike Kmetz. Wolf’s physical style and ability to finish at the basket create a focal point for the team, but coaches have emphasized the need for additional scoring options to prevent defenses from over‑committing to him.
Pat Massaroni, Stepinac’s head coach, faces the challenge of integrating transfers and freshmen while maintaining the program’s recent dominance. Players such as Jourdan Archevald, Larry Jenkins, Elijah Novotny, Tristan Robinson and Ethan Riullano are expected to assume larger roles, with Jenkins recently receiving offers from Wagner, Florida A&M, Arkansas Little Rock and Brown, underscoring the heightened recruiting interest.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, the blend of seasoned leaders and emerging contributors promises a dynamic mix of skill and intensity. Fans can anticipate how Rivera’s expanded role and Wolf’s relentless drive will shape the outcomes for their respective teams, while the broader landscape of the CHSAA league continues to showcase talent that attracts attention from schools such as St. John’s, Fordham, Manhattan, Bryant, Northwestern, Mississippi State, Illinois, Seton Hall, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure and Boston College.