Eric Abreu’s leadership drives HSMSE boys basketball to playoffs

Eric Abreu’s improvement throughout his four year tenure on the High School for Math Science and Engineering’s boys’ basketball team has propelled the Dragons to their first playoff appearance in five seasons.

In the 2016-17 season, Abreu scored 16.7 ppg, placing him second in his division. His scoring output is even more impressive considering the fact that he has doubled it since freshman year.

“There wasn’t many seniors on the team when I came, so through the years I tried to step into that leadership role,” Abreu said. “[I wanted to] be that leader that we didn’t have.” 

Aside from his on-court contribution, Abreu is also a tremendous asset off the court. He must balance his responsibilities in the Mount Sinai concentration, a medical internship that HSMSE offers that requires the student to spend half the school day at Mount Sinai hospital. Abreu makes sure that his work at Mount Sinai does not interfere with his role on the team.

Teammates show appreciation for Eric
Abreu / T. Henning

“I try to make up for Sinai when I don’t have school,” he said.

As one of only two four year players on the team, he must be a mentor for players who are not as experienced in the PSAL, and try to mold new additions to contributors for the team. Gabriel Culian is a second year player for the Dragons, and he feels his production has increased through Abreu's guidance.

“Certain times when I was working by myself he would come to me and show me certain skills,” Culian said. “He’s pushed me to strive harder in school and he’s helped me when I had trouble.” 

Since the Dragons are heading into the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season, no current member on the team has played a game in the postseason. Despite their lack of experience, Abreu is confident the team will do well.

“Over the years I've been on the team, we've gotten a lot better,” Abreu said. “When the ball is in someone else's hands, they can do something well for the team.”

Authored By Mohammed Kabir, Michael Stern, Matthias Granja

A special senior night

HSMSE boys' varsity basketball / D. Islam

The long awaited dynamic duo

Both of the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams played in a doubleheader on February 4th at City College of New York’s gym. The highlight was watching senior forward Lameek White and sophomore forward Eric Abreu play together for the first time in the season. Abreu and White’s skills complimented each other well in the Dragons’ 52-45 win against Manhattan Village Academy.

“When I was out, there was a lot of things that [White] did that I couldn't do,” Abreu said. “The same thing when I came back [and he was out]. We put the puzzle together.”

Another key for the Dragons’ victory was their high intensity from the tip-off. Their energy gave them an 18-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. Both White and senior center Alex Long scored almost double their respective season averages.

“It’s the last home game of the season, [we] had to go out with a ‘W’,” White said.

Lady Dragons improve over previous match-up

The match-up between the Lady Dragons and Chelsea Career and Technical Education was the second of their season. After a 35-26 loss on their January 1st game, the Lady Dragons were determined to show their improvement.

HSMSE girls' varsity basketball team / D. Islam

The team lost their second game against Chelsea 41-35, but despite the loss, there was a silver lining. Though an early full-court press by Chelsea hurt the Lady Dragons, things turned around by the third quarter. The team began to maneuver around Chelsea’s defense while executing their own full-court press with success.

“At first we weren't playing our hardest,” sophomore guard Annabelle Shultz said, “but we always come back in the second half.”

Sophomore guard Hillary Rodriguez played a large role in the game with many steals leading to easy fast-break points. The key for Rodriguez was her great positioning as she played one of her best game this season. Her hustle reflected a team-wide improvement in the second half.

“[The team had] a lot more hustle and nose for the ball,” head coach David Scheiman said. “Being in the right place and the right time was the main thing.”

Dragons incorporate youth into game plan

HSMSE Boys' Basketball Team / Din Islam

Many basketball coaches will tell you that experience is a major part of winning. On the High School of Math, Science, and Engineering’s boys’ basketball team youth is the main focus. During the 2013 season, out of 13 players on the team, 11 were underclassmen allowing for growth both individually and as a team.

One of the many underclassmen on the team is freshman forward Eric Abreu. He benefited from the available playing time, averaging 8.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg.

“[Being a freshman] made [developing] kind of easier because you have a lot of time to improve,” Abreu said.

Along with youth, there must also be experience. The two seniors on the team played for two seasons, so they had much more exposure than the freshmen. Many of the younger players had to change their positions.

“It’s their first time they’re playing high school basketball,” senior guard Kofi Kordie said. “It’s different from middle school.”

It was new head coach David Scheiman’s coaching decision to recruit underclassmen because he believed they would grow together and get accustomed to being with each other.

“I felt that overall talent wise they were better, and they would develop over time,” Scheiman said.

He expected the seniors to take leadership of the team. He wanted them to be vocal and be on-court coaches for the younger players.

Although they ended the season with a disappointing 1-13 record, they are still hopeful. With the growth of the freshmen, they look to become a powerful basketball team.

“We’ll be a lot better than we are now,” Abreu said.

Written by: Daniella Smith and Sadeon Martin