In the season of giving, it only seems fitting to start giving away our Athlete of the Week Awards.

At the end of every week, Patch will honor one student athlete who performed exceptionally well in his/her sport, while also highlighting their accomplishments.

The first Athlete of the Week is sophomore guard Nick Gentile of the Fort Lee Bridgemen varsity boys' basketball team.

Nick started the season last Friday with a 17-point performance on the road at Bergenfield and has continued his strong play throughout the following week.

On Tuesday, Gentile added another ten points against Cliffside Park before posting a season-high 18 points Thursday night versus Ramapo.  

With Fort Lee's only senior, George Padin, sidelined due to a concussion, Gentile has elevated his game just when the Bridgemen have needed it most.

Despite the team being 0-3 right now, Gentile is playing major minutes in just his second season at the varsity level and playing it very well.

Before the season started, Nick expressed how eager he was for the chance to play varsity and have a larger role.

Nick said, "I'm always ready. I know when I take over the role of point guard, I just have to pass the ball and know that it is safe."

But basketball isn't just a game of offense. Gentile and the Bridgemen have also been focusing on their defensive intensity, which has seen Gentile drop down to the low post in the absence of Padin.

"My offense could come, but defense is where I was just trying," Gentile said after Thursday night's game.

The Fort Lee Bridgemen and Nick are off Friday and Saturday for Christmas but are right back in action on Sunday with the beginning of the annual Jack Reilly Tournament.

Gentile will be looking to continue his double-digit point output but, more importantly, will be pushing to guide Fort Lee to their first win of the season.