From Mini Hoops to Major Milestones: Riverside’s Nico Antoniacci Named Sportzwire Athlete of the Week
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | January 21, 2026 | Photo courtesy Carrie Miner Yaple
Riverside sophomore guard Nico Antoniacci has been named the Sportzwire ‘Wired’ Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Envy Electrical, and for good reason. Already one of the most accomplished underclassmen in the region, Antoniacci continues to set the standard both on and off the court.
Basketball has been a part of Nico’s life for as long as he can remember. While he played baseball until around fifth grade, hoops ultimately became his sole focus. He’s been playing basketball since he was about two years old, growing up in an athletic family that helped shape his competitive edge. His father was a football player, his mother a cheerleader, and one of his earliest influences was his late grandfather, Vaughn. When Nico was young, Vaughn would babysit him and set up a mini basketball hoop—one that Nico would spend hours shooting on day after day.
That early love for the game never faded. When asked what he loves most about basketball, Antoniacci doesn’t hesitate.
“The competitiveness, working hard every day, and the constant will of trying to be the best,” he said.
That mindset shows up year-round. During the offseason, Nico is relentless in his preparation. He puts up shots nearly every day and complements that work with consistent weight training, making sure his body keeps pace with his skill level. Much of that drive, he credits to his parents.
“My parents push me every day to be the best basketball player and just be the best person I can be,” Antoniacci said. “They set a great example for me.”
On January 16, 2026, against Lakeland, Nico reached a milestone few sophomores can claim, scoring his 1,000th career point. The achievement is another highlight in a résumé that already includes First Team All-State honors as a freshman, a recognition rarely given to players that young.
Despite his success on the court, Antoniacci is just as locked in academically. He has been on the honor roll every quarter, balancing elite basketball performance with strong classroom results.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Nico’s goals are ambitious but grounded. He wants to win the Lackawanna League, capture a District title, and make a run at states, but he’s also focused on appreciating the journey. More than anything, he wants to enjoy the season and the time he has left playing alongside Riverside’s seniors.
Outside of his high school season, Antoniacci competes on the AAU circuit with NEPA Elite, a program he’s been part of for many years. His long-term development and consistent production have drawn attention from the next level, earning him offers from Manhattan, Penn State, Syracuse, and Marquette. He’s also taken some unofficial visits, where he’s been able to see firsthand the daily schedules, facilities, work ethic, and meet with college coaching staffs.
For Nico Antoniacci, the accolades are meaningful, but they’re not the end goal. His love for competition, commitment to improvement, and appreciation for those who helped him along the way continue to fuel his rise. As his sophomore season unfolds, one thing is clear—this is only the beginning for Riverside’s standout guard.
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