The LHS Varsity Basketball Team Is Back and Looking for Round 2

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Jesse Gutstein

Pictured above is the full varsity roster.

The boys’ varsity basketball team is back, and after last season’s success, the team is looking to continue its amazing play and hopefully reach the playoffs once again. The team last season was incredible, surprising the community with its sudden gain in skill from previous seasons. Last year, led by seniors Robert Sitonio, Nick Tuzzio, Paul Scibelli, Ibra- him Rugova, Antonio Vinceslao, and first- year Coach Jamie Adams, the Owls took the league by storm and went 20-8, mak- ing the playoffs for the fir

With the Owls losing five seniors, new seniors and juniors who had experience on the team last year will look to take over and fill in those roles. “What we lost from last year was leadership, between Nick and Rob, that’s going to be difficult to replace,” explained Adams. “A lot of the guys last year, though, saw some decent minutes, and they will be able to step right in and fill those roles,” added Adams.

Three players who will be up to the challenge and help fill the holes in the team will be Rylan Blondo, Steven Hendrickson, and John Donaldson. Last season, the three players com- bined for an average of 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. With more playing time, their numbers are poised to improve, making the start of the season and the birth of this dynamic trio highly anticipated by many fans.

The team started its season at home on Friday, December 1 against the Mineola Mustangs. When asked about their game plan for their sea- son debut and future games, senior Jon Baltes praised how much ever player trusts each other: “We just have to trust each other and play as a team; that’s how we can continue the success we’ve been having.” Students are also ex- cited for the start of the season, with the continuation of the high-energy student section, an event that started towards the end of last sea- son. The section is planning on having different events (such as white and blackouts) through- out the season and will definitely be the loudest section in the stands. “I’m ex- cited the section will be rowdy,” said Se- nior Brian Gomberg, “It’s cool to be a part of a very involved student body,” added Gomberg.

League play for the team does not start until December 21 against the Lawrence Tornadoes. Until then, they will be playing out-of-league games, but the competition will surely get them ready to make another playoff push.