There's something to be said about versatility in an athlete. When a coach has a player who can do a little bit of everything, they have something special on their hands. When that player can do a little bit of everything and then some at a high level, they have an athlete like Matt Reilly on their hands.
Reilly, a 6-foot-4 senior captain on the Mahopac basketball team, is essentially a high school unicorn; a hybrid guard, forward and center who can play the point, score the ball effectively, work the low blocks, own the paint, block shots and rebound with the best of them.
Additionally, Reilly was an All-League defensive end on the Wolf Pac football team last fall, thriving as an edge defender while also dipping in as a tight end on offense.
Anyone who saw him compete since his youthful days in the Mahopac Sports Association knew Reilly would be a multi-sport star. Coaches lined up for his services, hoping to get him onboard.
Mahopac basketball coach and assistant principal Matt Calabro knows full well what a student-athlete like Reilly means to a sports program.
“Matty embodies what we as a school want in a Mahopac student-athlete – and what I, as his coach – want in a leader within the basketball program,” Calabro said.
His leadership skills blaze a path for teammates to follow, while nary a game goes by without Reilly delivering some mind-blowing statistics.
“Matty fills a stat sheet in so many different ways – points, rebounds, blocks, assists,” Calabro said. “But his best skills are outside of the stat sheet: his enthusiasm, drive to win, his consistently positive energy and body language, the way he has his teammates’ backs, his coaches’ backs – at all times – is so special. He takes nothing away from the team and gives everything. He is truly a pleasure to coach.”
Imagine that kind of athlete in this day and age. Let’s find out more about him.
What’s been the most challenging part of high school for you? Living in the moment and making every moment count.
What’s your favorite moment at Mahopac High School so far? Winning the holiday tournament versus Greeley this year. Being named tournament MVP was a cool achievement as well.
It’s been over 10 years since Mahopac hoops reached the Final 4 at the County Center. What makes you think the Pac can end the drought and compete for the program’s first section title in 2026? Every day I see how hard this team works and just how invested we all are. We’ve each bought into the process as the season progressed. Our work ethic is the reason our team can have tons of postseason success.
Has any particular Mahopac teacher or administrator made an especially big difference in your life? I have been very lucky to have so many fantastic teachers and administrators at Mahopac, but I would have to say Assistant Principal Calabro is the guy.
People are so divided these days. What trait do you possess that might unify us? I always try to be really kind to everyone and make everyone feel included in any activity that we do.
What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to 10 years? Getting my bachelor’s from a good college and still beating my friends in pickup basketball.
Name a chore that you hate: Cleaning my room.
Favorite place to visit? Tyler Gallagher’s house (it’s been way too long).
College decision, college major intentions: Education or sports journalism.
Hobbies outside of sports: Video games, fantasy football, working out and movies.
Who is your biggest role model? I look up to my dad because he has always been there for me to be the best athlete but, most importantly, the best person I can be.
Best slice of pizza in Mahopac? Mike and Joe’s.
Favorite local restaurant? Bliss.
Favorite birthday meal? Steak and mashed potatoes.
Which local sportswriter is the finest griller in town? Yo, Mr. G (his spicy chicken is dangerous!).
How do you spend time on a day off from school or practice? I will be hanging out with my friends, having dinner with my family and then watching a movie in my bed.
What are you an expert at? Fantasy football.
What are you not nearly an expert at? Golf.
Favorite pregame ritual: Praying to God before I walk onto the court or the field.
Favorite music/band: Definitely hip-hop music, preferably Travis Scott.
What’s your favorite sport to play and to watch? Basketball is my favorite sport to play, and football is my favorite sport to watch.
Favorite professional athlete? LeBron James because he’s the GOAT of basketball.
Favorite team? The New York Knicks.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here