Hilton Flores/Staten Island Advance File Photo Point guard Thomas Tibbs was the most dynamic player during CSI's magical season, which ended with a loss in the NCAA Division III Tournament's Sweet 16 on Friday.
tourney, and a pair of NCAA victories that snapped a 23-year drought. “I don’t know if I’ll ever have a group like this again,” said Petosa, who has won 350
games in his 22 seasons on the bench. “These are all old-school kids.” One of those players, 6-5 senior forward Jordan Young, capped his career with a typically strong 19-point, 5rebound effort. The Asbury Park, N.J., resident ended up second on CSI’s all-time scoring list with 1,764 points — 55 shy of Michael Stewart’s record. Young also grabbed 792 rebounds, finishing sixth all-time, and had 140 steals (10th) and 293 assists. “We won six games my freshman season,” said Young. “We didn’t lose a game from late December until tonight. It’s been an unbelievable season. It hurts to lose but I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff or better teammates. I wouldn’t trade this year for anything.” Tibbs was the catalyst in a season that should merit All-Region and All-America consideration. The St. Peter’s HS product averaged nearly 16 points and six assists per game, but his value went far beyond statistical data. He controlled the pace — and pulse — of a team that dropped its first two games of the season in overtime before going on a 26-2 streak heading to the Sweet 16. “I think we maximized our potential and had a great season,” said Tibbs, who averaged 26.5 points and 6.5 assists in five postseason games prior to the MIT finale. “We knew it was going to be an uphill battle against all these tournament teams. But as far as a season as a whole, we accomplished a lot. We played a terrific non-conference schedule to prepare us and we ran through a nationally under-rated and physical CUNY Conference. “To make it this far and give it our best effort, what more can you ask for?” The Dolphins lose senior guard Dale Taranto, Tibbs and Young from their starting lineup but return sophomore guard Bloochy Magloire, the team’s leading scorer and one of the top 3-point shooters nationally, and freshman forward Javon Cox, the CUNY’s Rookie of the Year. Sophomore center Matt Van Manen has two years of starting experience and contributed to the finish despite missing a month with a knee injury. Junior center Dylan Bulger and sophomore guard Louis Valdes will return with game experience and the 17-player roster is filled with young players eager to crack the rotation. CSI’s successful winter could ignite a strong recruiting class. “To come to CSI, it’s really been a breath of fresh air,” said Tibbs. “We have a tremendous relationship Page 64 of 175