Boys Varsity Basketball

Program Overview

Boys Basketball Program

At The Frederick Gunn School, varsity basketball is a multifaceted endeavor that demands both athletic and personal discipline. The team has historically been a strong contender in the Class B division of NEPSAC. The program incorporates a rigorous, six-day weekly regimen: high-intensity practices, a 24-game schedule against top competitors, and non-conference games against Trinity-Pawling, Cheshire Academy, Salisbury School, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Williston Northampton. That workload is layered with required strength and conditioning sessions and film study, along with sports psychology and mindfulness training to help athletes consistently perform at their best. Participation in prestigious holiday tournaments is also required, which can mean staying on campus during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.

Preparation starts in the fall with voluntary, preseason strength and conditioning — valuable training for team building, although a student's commitment to their fall sport or activity always comes first. The team's culture is built on a foundation of accountability, forged through additional teambuilding exercises, including a fall camping trip. Team members hold themselves and each other to high standards in student houses, and commit to being part of the community at a level that transcends individual statistics — creating a strong, positive environment where players are encouraged to take risks, support each other, and build the competitive edge to compete with anyone. That same commitment prepares players for the next level, whether that's college basketball or the responsibilities of active citizenship beyond Gunn.

JV and Thirds levels are also offered.

Meet the Coaches

Brian Konik

Head Coach

Dr. Konik has over 20 years of experience working with adolescent and young adult students in varying capacities – counseling, mentoring, and coaching. Dr. Konik received his B.A. in Psychology from The University of Florida, his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Vermont, and completed his predoctoral internship at the Outpatient/Inpatient Neurobehavioral Unit with the Kennedy Krieger Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Konik’s research background focused on the relationship between anxiety and pain in children. Dr. Konik is a well-recognized leader in the field, having presented nationally at the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs and has been published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Stephen Gritti

Assistant Coach

Steve grew up outside of Boston, Mass and is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in history concentrating on Modern American History. He also took graduate courses in education technology, social studies and public administration while serving as an adjunct professor, defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for the Division I AA football team at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. Steve holds a masters degree from Concordia University. Having also coached defensive lines at Syracuse University and for a professional team, the Calgary Stampeders, Steve came to Gunn from Kent Hills School in Maine where he coached their team to three all state prep school championships. Steve teaches history and coaches Boys Varsity Football and Boys JV Hockey. He lives on campus in Graham house with his wife, Kara, daughters, Harper and Neely, and their dog, GG.
Kathleen Roche

Activity Leader

Kathleen Roche is The Frederick Gunn School's Student Support Coordinator. In this role, Kathleen works closely with Brian Konik, Ph.D., Director of Counseling and the Dean of Students Office. Raised in Levittown, New York, Kathleen graduated from Leavittown Memorial High School and holds a bachelor's degree in business management and communication from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, where her focus was theatre and public speaking. Prior to joining Gunn, Kathleen served for nine years as a paraprofessional at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, spending time with her family, and reading by the fireplace. She also performs with the Community Theater at Woodbury. Fun Fact: Kathleen ran in the 2017 NYC Marathon. She lives in Woodbury with her husband, Mike, daughters Samantha and Allison, a very sweet dog, Finn, and a crazy kitten named Milo Moon.

Roster