By Emma Bynes
@emma_bynes4
Connecticut all-state football player Joey Montalvo has taken a trip to the campus of Springfield College multiple times in recent years for the Best of New England football camp hosted yearly by the Pride football team. This time, the 40 minute drive up to Springfield for the Panini Hoophall Classic meant something different to East Catholic’s basketball senior.
“It’s definitely important. It’s my last go around and I wish we could’ve come out with the win, but we played hard and everything can’t go our way,” said Montalvo. The Eagles lost the opening game of the Hoophall Classic to Shaker High School (NY) 65-54.
“We like to speed people up and that’s usually how we offset the height difference. Today we really got outrebounded quite a bit, and that’s going to happen some days,” said East Catholic head coach Luke Reilly. “It’s the first time we’ve played real size this season. I think we’ll get better with time and understanding how critical all those little things are because they add up.”
Montalvo is Connecticut’s all time receiving yards leader with 2,829 yards — passing Aaron Hernandez’s record in the fall. The Manchester, Conn. native claims the top spot in the record books for career receptions as well — tallying 159 in four years. Basketball is Montalvo’s favorite way to stay in shape during the off-season, as well as a way to destress.
“Basketball was always my first love. I’ll never give that up and I’ve got a great coach going with me,” said Montalvo.
In the Eagles’ game against the Bison, Montalvo had a strong and calm presence on the court. He ended up with seven points and two rebounds on Thursday afternoon, including all seven of those points in the first quarter — setting the tone early on in the opening game of the tournament. The senior feels that setting a clear intention in games, practice and life is a large factor to his success. Montalvo also contributed on defense for the Eagles, playing on the top of East Catholic’s prominent and unique zone defense.
“(Montalvo’s) just a winner,” said Reilly. “The guy is awesome to be around and is a leader. I’ve known him a long time and it’s been a pleasure to see him grow into the young man he is. He’s fierce on the court and fierce on the field.”
Montalvo has one of the more unique shooting forms for someone playing at such a high level. The point guard’s slow release seems to only help him line up shots from beyond the arc, instead of giving defenders extra seconds to close out. The senior not only benefits from his teammates’ passes but frequently gives the ball up for them, recording five assists on Thursday.
After a trip to the Connecticut Division I semifinals last year where the Eagles came up short of their goal of a state championship, which Montalvo and crew were a part of in 2022 and 2023, the senior is hungry to end his career on a high note. As for what motivates him off the court, Montalvo said that family and faith play a large role in his personal identity.
“My family, my mother especially, who raised me and my three siblings by herself — she motivates me,” said Montalvo.
With three Division I offers for football from Central Connecticut, Wagner and New Haven, basketball may not hold a significant place in Montalvo’s future. However, the memories he’s captured and valuable lessons learned will stick with him for a long time after the final buzzer sounds in his career.
Photo by River Mitchell/The Student