When speaking about his assignment on the court, Angelo D’Amato loves to roam freely as a guard. That love has enabled him to run free and shoot his shot openly and often, to rousing success for the East Haven boys’ basketball team.

The Yellowjackets’ senior and shooting guard did not get involved in sports until 3rd grade. It was then that his father got him involved in basketball. From there, Angelo went to play Sal Biddy League hoops in town before coming to East Haven High School. This year, Angelo has emerged as a final-year leader for the Yellowjackets, with many standout performances. This includes a 25-point performance against Wheeler on Dec. 29 in a win for 4-8 East Haven. He is leading the team in scoring, averaging over 10 points per game.

“I just started playing basketball when I was younger, and I really had fun with it,” says Angelo. “For my freshman year, I played point guard, and then I moved off the ball, which I loved. It also helped me shoot better.”

As he bounces in the backcourt alongside the 1-guard for East Haven, Angelo has an accurate aim with the ball in his hands. Angelo notes that since it can be tricky at times to move inside and help his teammates against some of the taller position players, it is rewarding and satisfying to sink that shot.

“I love playing off the ball and being able to get open,” Angelo says. “I love spotting up for the point guard. I love shooting three-pointers and creating shots for myself. One of the toughest parts of playing shooting guard is trying to help out the bigs when they are in the paint.”

While he has improved the flow and arc of his shot, Angelo adds that he has stepped up his game when it comes to moving and matriculating, with the rock in his hands, in driving the lanes. He has gone from being an individual who rarely fired off attempts to one who has crafted a diverse range on the hardwood.

“I have really improved on my shooting. I have also been getting better with catching the ball and ripping it right to the hoop,” says Angelo. “For my freshman year, I never shot the ball. Over the last few years, I started working my shot inside-out, and from that, I got better from the outside.”

There is no gain without some pain, which Angelo has been suspect to through spending a copious amount of time in the weight room to develop his frame for the floor. He additionally details that playing with older colleagues up until his senior year has aided his mental maturation.

“I have gotten stronger and more confident over the years,” says Angelo. “I got my added strength through lifting, and I got my added confidence through playing with older guys. I also feel I have gotten smarter and become a better player from being on the varsity court.”

Now in the senior class shack with the Yellowjackets, Angelo adores the admiration from his fellow teammates, as they look up to him as a template for future success.

“Being a senior leader on this team has been a good time,” says Angelo. “I feel when I play good, everyone else plays better, too. I think the younger guys look up to me and like to do whatever I do.”

East Haven Head Coach Frank Lyon notes that no matter when or where Angelo picks his spots to produce on the court, he is beaming with positivity day in and day out around the team.

“Angelo is a gifted offensive player who has carried us in spurts this year,” says Lyon. “He brings a great attitude daily and has been a leader for the underclassmen to learn from.”

As Angelo and East Haven look to the second half of the season, they aim to nail down a second-straight postseason berth. Yet regardless of how the remainder of the season unfolds, he has garnered a lengthy list of life lessons that will bode well for him as he heads toward the next phases of his career.

“I would love to play basketball at the next level, hopefully,” Angelo says. “For us as a team this season, we really have to lock in and hustle out there. We have to get better all around. I started a few games my freshman year, but then I took a break my junior year, and now just started back this year with varsity. So playing basketball here at East Haven has taught me that not everything is given.”