Bishop Eustace’s boy’s basketball team secured a 66-61 victory over Cinnaminson in the Cinnaminson Holiday Showcase, which marked a historic achievement for head coach Bob Falconer.
The win extended the Crusaders’ perfect start to the season (4-0) and made Falconiero the 38th coach in South Jersey to reach 300 career wins.
With a career record now at 300-181, Falconiero has spent all 19 seasons coaching at his alma mater.
Reflecting on his long tenure, he credited a combination of factors for his success, including a strong team dynamic, a balanced style of play, and the consistent development of players who often go on to play in college.
The game’s highlight came from Tommy Semiraglio, who scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half.
Dillon Adomanis added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Braydon Killeen contributed 11 assists.
Although the Crusaders initially led by 10 points in the first half, they trailed by one at halftime after allowing Cinnaminson to go on a late run.
This shift in momentum did not go unnoticed by Falconiero, who emphasized the need for his team to adjust defensively after the break.
Semiraglio, who had been quiet in the first half due to limited shot attempts and foul trouble, quickly found his rhythm in the second.
A series of three consecutive three-pointers sparked a crucial 16-2 run, and that put Bishop Eustace back in control.
His performance in the second half proved critical in helping his team regain the lead and maintain it through the final moments.
Cinnaminson, led by Drew Harvey’s 22 points, continued to challenge Bishop Eustace in the fourth quarter.
However, the Crusaders responded with timely baskets and strong defensive plays each time.
One key moment came when Killeen assisted Ian Glassmacher on a backdoor layup after a side-out play.
This quick and efficient play, designed to counter pressure from the opposing defense, added valuable points and helped keep Cinnaminson at bay.
The unselfishness of Bishop Eustace’s offense, with players constantly moving the ball and setting screens, showed how effective Falconiero’s coaching philosophy is.
His focus on team defense and shared offensive responsibility was evident throughout the game, with all five of his starters contributing offensively.
This well-rounded effort reflected the style Falconiero has instilled in his team over the years, one that emphasizes collective success over individual achievement.
With this win, the teams look ahead to Saturday’s games at the showcase.
For Cinnaminson, coach Mike Fries is just two wins away from reaching his 300th career victory, and Noah Harvey is nine points from reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his career.
