The boys’ basketball team has raced to a 12-1 league record with a shot at the League VIII Championship this Wednesday at Greenport. One of the main reasons for the Bears success this year has been the aggressive play of Richie Armand. His ability to shut down the opposing team’s best scorer, his unrelenting hustle, and his knack for coming up with a big steal has helped the Bears become the best defense in the league by allowing the fewest points per game:

1.	Stony Brook	40.7
2.	Greenport	45.6
3.	Port Jeff	47.8
4.	Southold	49.7
5.	Pierson	53.4
6.	Ross School	58.9
7.	Bridgehampton	66.5
8.	Shelter Island	67.6

What is your favorite memory from your SBS athletic career?
I think my favorite memory from my career has to be our game against Port Jeff at home on Friday night [January 28th]. It was a big game, and I think our defense proved that it wins games. Getting steal after steal really got us and the fans into the game. So it was really exciting to be a part of that.

What 3 words would you use to describe your play on the court?
Quick, aggresive, and stealthy.

Do you have any interesting pre-game rituals?
No not really. I usually pray before I leave my dorm room before each game and try to get mentally focused.

What is your jam right now?
I like a lot of music, but I think my song right now has to be “Stereo Love.”

What athlete did you want to be like when you were growing up?
I wanted to be like Derek Jeter when I was growing up. I played baseball for most of my life when I was younger, and I really admired how he was successful both on and off the field.

You have been the heart of the defense this year. How do you go about stopping the other team’s best player?
I think just going into the game with the mentality that I have to be aggressive and knowing what my job for that game is, and trying to accomplish that.

In what ways has the team grown this year?
Well I think because we have so many versatile players and different skills, we’ve really been able to use each skill to the team’s advantage. I think we’ve also been able to develop a chemistry both on and off the court as the year has progressed.

When we step onto the floor with other teams, what is it that gives us the edge?
I think the thing that gives us the edge is us having an aggressive mentality, knowing that our defense wins games, and that the other teams can’t handle us.

If you could hang out with anyone, past or present, who would you choose?
I think I would want to hang out with Kyrie Irving. He is one of my favorite athletes and plays for my favorite college basketball team, Duke!

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