BY ZACH SMART
On the opening day of the prestigious City of Palms Classic, Stepinac’s Josh Rivera was one of the best shooters on the big college floor at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, Fla.
Rivera set a loud tone in the first half, sticking three deep 3-pointers as Stepinac seized a commanding 20+-point lead en route to the wire to wire 89-62 thrashing of Sarasota HS (FL).
The Class of 2027 Rivera, a significant spark off the bench during Stepinac’s third straight city title last season, finished with 15 points, five assists, and three boards.
Illinois, Boston College, Notre Dame, Stanford, are currently recruiting Rivera.
The Yonkers, NY native holds offers from Mississippi State, Rhode Island, Seton Hall, St. Bonaventure, among several others.
Stepinac has tapped into the Yonkers area, as the program helped nurture the development of another Yonkers native in former St. John’s star Joel Soriano.
Rivera, who rapidly sprouted up from 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-7 during the summer leading into his sophomore year at Stepinac and possesses a Pterodactyl-like wingspan, is on pace to be one of the winningest players in program history.
He’s played all four years, showing flashes as a freshman on a city championship team led by former All American and program poster boy Boogie Fland (now at University of Florida).
“Josh is extremely skilled on the offensive end of the floor and shoots it at a high level,” said Stepinac head coach Pat Massaroni, who attained a personal milestone with his 200th win.
“He continues to improve on both ends of the floor.”
Stepinac’s depth (they played fourteen guys total), length, and athleticism were noteworthy factors which overwhelmed Sarasota.
Southern California-bound 7-footer Darius Ratliff displayed his offensive versatility and high level rim protection prowess, as he finished with 19 points, five rebounds and three blocks in just under 18 minutes.
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