Second Chance to First Place: Long Valley Teens Dominate Basketball League

Some of life’s greatest accomplishments come because of second chances.

For a group of basketball players in Long Valley, that second chance is already beginning to pay off, and the shot selection in life will only become greater.

In November 2014, Joe Fantasia created a U14 AAU team from a group of Long Valley boys who loved playing basketball, but weren’t able to make the school team and wanted to play beyond the recreational level.

In its first season of competition, the team came in second place in Hoop Heaven’s Fall AAU season and took first place in the spring season with an 8-2 record.

The newfound success has led to the players’ commitment to continuing the program in high school.

Pictured: Back row, from left: Coach Joe Fantasia, Graham Del Tufo, Brian Cherifi, Arman Oveissi, Aidan Celiano, Matthew Shiembob, Bobby Mrasz, Keith Tatum. Front row, from left: Alex Nunez, Anthony Fantasia, Tom Romanelli, Aaron Colon. Photo Courtesy Jina Oviessi.