JT Arpino will always be remembered for hitting the shot.
Arpino is a senior captain on the Archbishop Ryan High School basketball team, and what he brings to the team is invaluable.
He comes off the bench and gives the Raiders key minutes when called upon. But when he’s not in the game, he shows off the same energy on the bench that he would display if he was on the floor.
But on senior night, Arpino buried a three-point shot, leading to a career-high eight points and it gave Ryan its 100th, 101st and 102nd points in a win over Conwell-Egan.
The trey helped the Raiders post their highest score in school history, and it caused an explosion in Ryan’s gym.
“It felt good leaving my hand, but honestly every shot feels good leaving my hand and they don’t always all go in,” said Arpino, who plays center and forward but has worked on his game to add an outside shooting presence. “Jaden Murray was driving, but he kicked it out so I could shoot the three. We really wanted to hit 100, it was a big goal of ours and we wanted to do it at some point. It felt good to do it, it was definitely the highlight of my season so far.”
When Arpino’s story is completely written, there’s a good chance that the senior-night highlight won’t be the thing he remembers most about his high school career. Ideally, that might include a Catholic League championship or possibly a state championship. But in reality, it won’t be that, either, because Arpino and his teammates have something that might even transcend wins and championships.
“This year has been so great because of the bond we all have, this team is united,” said Arpino, who lives in Chalfont. “For the seniors, it’s the way we’ve grown up the last four years. We have four captains, me, Dave (Wise), Luke (Boyd) and Jalen (Snead). I knew Luke before high school, we played at Calvary. But I’ve developed a great friendship with Dave and Jalen, too.
“We all hang out in school and outside school. We try to make the team better, but it’s not just us. Everyone has the same goal. We like playing together.”
The other three seniors are starters. Wise is the point guard, Boyd plays the wing and Snead plays offguard and is one of the best defenders in the Catholic League.
Arpino has an important role, too. He might not be on the floor when the games start, but he’s always bringing energy for his teammates, and when he checks in, he gives maximum effort. On many teams, Arpino would be a starter, but Ryan is loaded, and is one of the top teams in the Catholic League, so sometimes minutes aren’t available.
Arpino is happy to help in any way he can.
“My role is to be a leader on the bench and bring energy to everyone,” Arpino said. “I accepted these guys are better than me, I want to see them succeed. It means a lot to me because Coach (Joe) Zeglinski always preaches that if you’re not in the game, you can make an impact by bringing energy, give advice, do those things. I like doing those things.”
Arpino is a great athlete.
When he’s not playing basketball, he’s a starter on the lacrosse team at midfield. But being a backup on the Raiders is no slight.
He plays behind Thomas Sorber, who is not only one of the best big men in the Catholic League, he’s one of the most sought-after sophomore big men in the country, having already picked up several Division I offers.
Sorber, who arrived from Trenton Catholic Academy after the school announced it was closing last year, can thank Arpino for helping him transition and becoming an Archbishop Ryan basketball player. But Arpino won’t take much credit for that.
“I love working with Thomas, he’s a really funny guy,” Arpino said. “He’s an amazing player, the best big I’ve ever seen, especially at that young age. Our offense is different than he’s used to, but he’s a great playmaker, so he dominates everyone, or we just find him. He fits well with this team. He fit in right away, and if he needs help, I’m happy to help him.”
Arpino believes the Raiders will have a long and successful run in the playoffs. He would love a Catholic League championship and, just like last year, a run through the state playoffs and another trip to Hershey.
“Last year felt different because it seemed like we didn’t have to do as much to get there because of COVID and there weren’t fans, but it felt so good to get to the state championship,” Arpino said. “The ending sucked, but it felt so good to get there. That was a great team. I think this year’s team is better. I think this team is the best we’ve had since I’ve been there.”
Arpino isn’t sure what he’s going to do in the future.
He gets great grades, mostly A’s, in the classroom, but he’s undecided on college.
“If I could play sports, I would love it,” Arpino said. “Basketball is my favorite sport, but I’m probably better at lacrosse. I’m not sure if I want to go to college. I’ve applied to a few and been accepted, and I have gotten some (scholarships), but I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”
He is sure what would make this a perfect senior year.
“Our goal is to win championships and go as far as we can,” he said. “There’s so much talent on this team. We just have to keep getting better. It’s special. I’m really happy to be part of it.”
