READ ALL ABOUT IT

Cavs Ready to Follow-Up a Hard Act                

Harvey’s boys varsity basketball team enters the 2025-26 winter season as the reigning champions of both the Housatonic Valley Athletic League (HVAL) and the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C division. Repeating as dual champions this season will be far from easy, but head coach Denis Arnautovic, who enters his 11^th year at the helm, and his fourth year assistant Connor Welles ’10, embrace the attitude of taking one game at a time and letting the chips fall where they may.

“As we do every year we’re focused on extending our season to the last day of competitions,” Coach Arnautovic said. “The key will be how we handle diversity,” the coach said, adding, “If we can keep the team’s success front and center, we’ll have a great year.” 

Last year’s championship team went 12-0 against HVAL opponents and 20-3 overall. Lost to graduation last June were four seniors who played a major role in the team’s outstanding success, but this year’s roster appears stacked with talent, both with returners and newcomers.

 Coach Arnautovic expects big things from senior captain Cameron Powell-Spruils in his fourth year on varsity. “Each year Cameron has elevated his game, and now as a senior he’s ready to provide the leadership we need.” The team’s third leading scorer last season, Powell-Spruils also made his presence known under the boards with his rebounding. He earned HVAL All-League Honorable Mention.

Senior captain Piotr Pawel Pajewski, a strong physical presence on defense last season to earn earn HVAL All-League honorable mention, appears poised for a breakout season after making great strides in upping his game last year. Coach Arnautovic particularly likes Pajewski’s versatility. “Piotr gives us stability on both sides of the ball, and his ability to play four positions makes him unpredictable and hard to guard,” Coach Arnautovic said.

Leading the team offense this season will fall into the hands of point guard Gavin Botoff, a sophomore whose ball-handling, shooting ability, and game savvy impressed the coaches when he came off the bench in big spots. “Gavin is strong on the ball,” Coach Arnautovic said. “His vision and deep range will open up many good looks,” the coach added.

Two other returners from last year should see some quality minutes -- juniors Zach Roberts and Carter Burroughs. Coach Arnautovic describes Roberts as “explosive with a soft touch” and Burroughs as having “great instincts on both ends of the court.” Coach Arnautovic added, “Carter’s creativity will lead to opportunities.”   

A couple of newcomers have impressed the coaches in preseason -- junior Dominick Bonserio and sophomore Darron Yelling. Bonserio was the captain and leading scorer of the JV maroon team last year when he averaged 18 points per game. Yelling was the JV navy squad's top rebounder and a top scorer. Coach Arnautovic calls Bonserio an “incredible athlete with a team mindset.” He added, “Dom can do it all and will help us speed up the game.” The coach also likes what Yelling can contribute. “Darron can score from deep with a nice touch around the rim, and his length and aggressiveness will be needed on the defensive end,” Coach Arnautovic added.

In sizing up his team’s strengths, Coach Arnautovic said its greatest one is the combination of the experience the seniors bring and the young talent filling out the roster.

When asked to identify the one or two teams that he sees as the toughest opponents, Coach Arnautovic said only time will tell. He said, “In both leagues it’s hard to say because the quality of play is on the rise. You never know which teams will compete for the top spots.”

The boys varsity basketball season got underway Saturday, Dec. 6, at home when the Cavs welcomed Masters of Dobbs Ferry to the Fenstermacher gym for a 1 p.m. tip-off. Masters spoiled the home opener, defeating the Cavs 69-47 in the nonleague game.