HSAS Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Seasons Begin
- Azad Antia
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
Azad Antia, Grade 12, Staff Writer
On November 25, 2025, the High School of American Studies Girls’ Varsity Basketball team travelled to Marie Curie High School for their season opener. On that same day, the HSAS Boys’ Varsity Basketball team traveled to the Academy for Language and Technology in their season opener. Both teams emerged victorious, beginning their seasons with a road win.
Following a 13-1 regular season record and a trip to the Public School Athletic League quarterfinals in the 2024-25 season, the Girls’ Basketball Senators lost their two leading scorers, center Magdelena Martini(‘25) and guard Abigail Lin(‘28). However, the 2025-26 Girls’ Basketball Senators show no sign of a team that just lost their two highest scorers.
The team, coached by Ryan Hondorf, is 8-0 and in sole possession of first place in the PSAL 1A Bronx I Division. Filling the gaping hole of those two elite scorers is a tall order, but the Senators’ 8-0 record is evidence enough that they have managed to fill it.
“Emiry Rodriguez (‘27) has stepped up this year after being placed in a starting role,” stated Coach Hondorf. “She helps with rebounds and plays really good defense.”
Coach Hondorf also noted that Katlyn Toranzo (‘26) has stepped up after being thrust into the starting lineup.
The 2025-26 Boys’ Basketball Senators sport a strong senior class featuring five key contributors to the team.
Captain Patrick Spencer (‘26) leads the team with 17 points per game, while Guard Spiros Kapsokovadis (‘26) averages a solid eight points per game.
Angel Mota (‘26) provides crucial scoring and rebounding off the bench, and Ace Andanov is third on the team in assists. Javier Belnavis (‘26) provides a tough defensive presence off the bench. These five seniors make up the core of the Boys Senators.
“Patrick is the heart and soul of the team,” remarked Mota.
Captain Spencer has his team 6-3. Time and time again he has come through for the Senators. His best performance of the season came on December 23 in the Old Gym against the Academy for Language and Technology.
Without starting point guard Yash Dewan(‘28), the Senators fell behind 10 points early in the 4th quarter. From there, Spencer took over, shooting three-point shot after three-point shot from his usual perch in the corner.
Following a three pointer to propel the Senators into the lead, Spencer turned to the sparse pre-winter-break crowd and pumped his fists, yelling in exhilaration. He finished with a season-high 29 points and a thrilling Senators victory.
The next month of basketball at HSAS promises to be an exciting one, with both teams poised to make playoff appearances.
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