Boys’ Hoops Notebook: Order on the Court! Hoops Tip-Off 2015-16

There used to be a time when the eminence of the Westchester County Center was all that mattered for most Section 1 basketball teams; that was before basketball exploded into what has become the second most popular sport among varsity preps and fans nationwide (trailing only football in terms of popularity).

Nowadays, the County Center and Section 1 Final 4 are just part of the big picture, as most teams enter the season with a lofty Section 1 title in mind, or the chance to hoist the coveted gold ball. But the historic County Center remains the be–all and end–all, and getting there is still half the battle, but the gold ball is paramount. While those goals are delusions of grandeur for some, they are realistic in certain corners of the Northern Westchester/Putnam County region. Let’s examine the possibilities below.

CLASS AA

Two-time reigning champion Mount Vernon, winners of nine of the last 10 gold balls, are once again the heavy favorites to repeat and represent Section 1 in the NYSPHSAA tournament. Semifinalists Saunders returns its top player, All-Section F Derrick Felder, and several others. Semifinalists Arlington and Clarkstown South come off their finest campaigns ever, and Fox Lane is totally legit this year, as are North Rockland and White Plains, so reaching the Final 4 will be most difficult for the local squads, who would need to overachieve to do so.

MAHOPAC (6-13, lost Sect.1 outbracket)

No matter who you ask in Indian Territory, first-year Coach Matt Simone just feels like the right replacement for former veteran Coach Jim Harter, who was unceremoniously released just two weeks before the start of the season. Mahopac, you’ll recall, made four consecutive trips to the Final 4 and one championship appearance from 2011-2014 under former Coach Kevin Downes, now a Yorktown. Three different coaches in three years is not the Mahopac way, and Simone won’t have but a month with the unit he has chosen to represent Mahopac, some of whom he coached as freshmen several years ago. But the coaching carousel at Mahopac has brought Simone back to the program he once played and coached the lower levels. Timing is everything in life, and Simone plans on sticking around.

His initial starting unit is very athletic and polished, as four of the five saw significant time last season under Harter, including senior G Christian Donahoe, senior F Dan Foley, senior G Aiden Hynes and 6’7” senior C Ryan Vitkus. Junior G Andrew Ryan is an athletic rookie who will run the point.

“This year we will rely on the athleticism of our players and will focus on the defensive end of the floor playing tough, hard-nosed defense,” Simone said. “The senior leadership and experience of Foley, Hynes and Donahoe will set the tone for the rest of team. Vitkus will be an impact player for us. Andrew Ryan is a smart point guard who will look to run the offense.”

Jonathan Jacklett, Connor Moloney, Matt Leonard, Dominic Iacuone, Zac Carlin, Mike Dimicco, Mike Pilgrim, Mike Cazarri and Tim Lopreato will play a role off the bench to open the season.

“We hope these guys will look to provide a spark off the bench,” the coach said.

Mahopac would do well with this group to win a playoff game and become a most difficult quarterfinal out for some unsuspecting unit that might be looking past a team that had — as recently as 2014 – been a County Center regular.

CARMEL (7-13, lost Sect.1 opening round)

Coach John Venditto enters Year 3 with a big hole in the middle of his starting unit, with junior All-League C Josh Alexander moving on to Iona Prep of the CHSAA. After losing to top-seeded Arlington in the playoffs, Venditto had to feel good about the nucleus he expected to return, but the loss of a 6’7” post presence will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill.

All-League senior G Ryan Train will bear the burden of the loss, serving as the primary option in most sets. Train can drain from beyond the arc and can attack the rack with equal effectiveness.

Matt Haughney Sr., F/C, will take over for Alexander while sharpshooting Quinn Willman (Sr., G) will work the backcourt with Train as a top wing option. Other veterans include; Beau Kershaw, Sr., G; Isaiah Fredericks Sr., G; Ryan Sullivan Sr., F/C; Brenden Cody Jr, G/F; Joe Redendo Sr., G; and Dan Walsh Sr., G

Newcomers include; Brian Harlin Jr., G; Andrew Dileo Jr., F; Guy Cipriano Jr., F; Kyle Shilling Jr., G; and Matt Dougherty Jr., G/F.

“We will lean heavily on All- League player, Ryan Train, as well as, fellow starters Matt Haughney and Quinn Willman to provide scoring and leadership,” Coach Venditto said. “With early season tournaments at Lakeland and Croton along with a tough non-league schedule we will strive to improve each and every game we play.”

YORKTOWN (13-8, lost Sect. 1 Class A quarters)

Coach Kevin Downes’ Huskers pretty much know what to expect from their veteran coach as he enters his second season at Yorktown after taking Mahopac to four-straight Class AA Final 4’s and one championship appearance. Similarly, Downes knows that Yorktown athletes are very much like Mahopac athletes; in that they give a coach everything they’ve got if they respect you.

Downes channels mutual respect and the Huskers bought in last year, winning more games than they had the previous three years combined before falling in the playoffs to top-seeded Spring Valley, a state semifinalist.

“We’re looking to build off of the success from a year ago,” Downes said, noting it would be difficult with the Huskers moving to Class AA this season.

And with a decent chunk of starters returning for the 2016 season, expect Yorktown to be a tough team to beat in their league – along with Somers, Greeley, Fox Lane, Brewster and John Jay CR — who can each compete with anyone on any given night. But a Class AA Final 4 run for the Huskers will be extremely difficult.

Key returners include All-League senior sniper Nick DeGennaro, a 5’11” G who can deliver the goods. “Nick is a dynamic player who is poised for a great season,” Downes said.

He’ll be joined by veterans Jesse Bambach (6’5” Sr. F), Glen O’Loughlin (6’6” Sr. C), Ryan Hill (6’2” Sr. G), Trevor Bocian (5’10” Sr. G), Tim Martz (6’4” Sr. F), Ryan Curran (6’4” Sr. F) and Ben Schmitz (6’4” Sr. F). That’s five players who go 6’4” or better.

That number increases to six when you factor in newcomers Tyler Makar (6’4” Sr. F) and Tanner Dyslin (6’4” Jr. F), the kid brother of graduated All-Section swingman Mason Dyslin (Vassar College). When Lakeland hosts Yorktown on Dec. 16th there should be enough size and beef on the floor for an excellent game of bully ball in the paint.

Matt Severino (6’3” Jr. G) and Sol Barer (6’3” Jr.) round out what looks like a most competitive unit.

“Jesse Bambach and Glen O’Loughlin, 6’5” and 6’6”, respectively, will take on the task of replacing Mason Dyslin,” Downes said of his former leader in both scoring and rebounding. “They are both very good post players, defenders who can also shoot the ball well. They should also get big help from newcomer, junior Tanner Dyslin. We will once again rely on rebounding and defense and should have a strong post presence with Bambach, O’Loughlin and Dyslin.”

OSSINING (6-13, lost in opening round)

First-year Coach Mike Casey has some interesting pieces in place, including four top returning players in AJ Stokeley, 6’4”, Sr.; Obadiah Toppin, 6’5”, Sr.; Jay Criss, 6’1”, Jr. and Nick Murdock, 6’3”, Sr. The players are stoked to play for Casey, an exuberant coach with an up-tempo style that suits them well. Don’t sleep on this Pride unit; they will be better than what we have seen in recent years, and the Pride are going to surprise some teams if it all comes together like we think it can.

The key newcomers include: Alan Griffin, a 6-4 sophomore, who is the real deal; trust us. He was rated one of the top 10th grade players in the Chicago area before transferring to Ossining where he could shine for several years. His father, Adrian Griffin, starred at Seton Hall before a 9-year NBA career as an undrafted free agent, which he translated into a professional coaching career with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, Chicago Bull and Milwaukee Bucks. Therefore, Alan Griffin is said to be coachable and fun to watch.

Other newcomers include Wes Rodgers, 6’, Sr.; Kenny Fritz, 6’1”, Jr.; KJ Trotter, 5’11”, Jr.; Kyle Cristello, 6’, Sr.; Shamar Holebrook, 5’11”, Jr.; Richard Bautista, 6’6”, Jr. and 8^th-grade point guard Jakai Robinson-Sealy, a 6’1” prospect the Pride are high on.

“Needless to say I am very excited about this opportunity,” Coach Casey said. “We have been working hard in the off-season. The majority of the players played summer and fall ball with me and we did relatively well. The kids have been working hard, and we just need to keep that going. We are long and athletic. Sharing the ball and improving defensively are our focus right now.”

Rodgers is recovering an injury and is out a couple weeks, leaving Robinson-Sealy to run the point as a rookie 8^th-grader, which should tell you plenty about his ability. This is a talented group that could sneak up on some teams who aren’t quick to get the Pride on their radar.

“Jakai Robinson-Sealy is a great kid and a special athlete,” Casey said. “AJ Stokeley and Obadiah Toppin are both very talented; both about 6’4” and very athletic. We should be a fun team to watch.”

 

CLASS A

Reigning champion Spring Valley won its first sectional title since 1996 last year and the Tigers were the toast of the town, but they have been bumped back up to Class AA this season, leaving Eastchester, Tappan Zee as, Byram Hills and well-rounded, athletic Lourdes as teams you don’t want to sleep on in Class A.

SOMERS (18-4, lost Sect. 1 semis)

What we know about Coach Chris DiCintio’s Tuskers and what we don’t know are the two things that make this team a puzzling call. We know that Somers is coming off its best season since 1992 and has graduated the core of what some are calling the best unit since Derek Hyra and Willy Dietrich graced the Tusker hardwood back in the wee 90s when Somers reach the finals.

What we don’t know is whether or not this current group of assembled whipper-snappers is ready for prime time this season, though they soon will be. DiCintio has taken seven sophomores under his wing this season, including his son, Chris, a 5’10” G, who has six classmates with the necessary gifts to become a solid unit in the future. Whether or not that happens this season remains to be seen, but the Tuskers are going to be thrown to the wolves (so to speak) in an effort to find out.

Juniors Matt Pires and Marc Maestri (F, 6’2”, 185) will be joined by one lone senior, 6’4” C Reid Killeen, a bull in the paint who will be key to the development of these rookies in so many ways.

“As our lone senior, Reid is our captain and the only player returning that got significant minutes last season,” Coach D said. “He’s 6’4 and strong. He has a nose for the ball and is the heart and soul of this year’s team. His leadership (done quietly) is going to be huge in trying to mentor the younger players.

“Matt Pires and Marc Maestri are captains with Reid,” DiCintio added. “Marc is an extremely athletic kid. He has a lightning-quick release and is quick to the basket. He’s a big baseball kid so he needs to get his rhythm going. Once that happens, he will be a major player for us this season. Matt Pires, on the other hand, has the potential to be an All-Conference point guard. He had an excellent off-season and looked great during the summer. Unfortunately, he broke his ankle during football and won’t be ready until game four or five, hopefully. He’s another kid that when he’s healthy will be huge for us.”

That leaves two spots and a ton of competition from a tight-knit group of sophs that DiCintio has been fruitfully coaching for many years along the AAU circuit.

“I’m the only coach some of them have ever known,” DiCintio said, citing Lorenzo Bicknese, Chris DiCintio, Nick Gargiulo (6’5”, 250), Jack Gilroy (6’2”), Justin Lancaster, Kevin Olifiers and Gio Tradito. “We are very young to say the least. The bright side is that the seven sophomores have been playing for me since the fourth and fifth grade. They are an extremely talented bunch with great chemistry and they know how to win. The future looks strong for this bunch, but there are a lot of question marks as to whether or not their inexperience at this level will hinder them from closing out games this year.”

Juniors Ross Dietrich (6’3”), Ryan Maloney and Pearse Martin are three more rookies looking to contribute. DiDintio is preaching physical defense in a half-court man set while extending the defense at times with zone pressing and matchup zones.

“The key to competing this season is limiting our opponent’s possessions by owning the boards each game,” the coach said. “Unfortunately, I am concerned as to whether or not we can do that with such a young team.”

As a result, Somers cannot get into track meets, allowing opponents to score at will. The Tuskers lack proven scorers and hope to produce a go-to guy quickly, especially with Pires on the sideline until the quarter turn.

“The boys are definitely practicing hard, they are energized and they are ready to prove that Somers basketball is here to stay,” DeCintio said.

We’re all anxious to see if the Tuskers can sustain what has been a terrific run under DiCintio the last few seasons, or whether they’ll need a year to reload and take aim at just their third trip to the County Center in nearly a quarter century.

HEN HUD (14-7, lost Sect. 1 quarters)

It had been a few years since the Sailors were relevant on the Section 1 hoops circuit, but they got themselves back on the map in last winter behind the exploits of Concordia-bound swingman Jesse Breeding. The senior torched the cords for an average of 16 PPG, doing so with an array of nifty moves that helped the Sailors produce their first winning campaign in four seasons while guiding the 11^th-seeded Sailors to the quarterfinals where they were finally eliminated by No.3 finalist Byram Hills, 50-49. It was Hen Hud’s first quarterfinal appearance since 1999 when the then-9^th-seeded Sailors lost No.1 Nyack.

“I love this team,” said third-year Sailor skipper Jordan Hirsch, who hopes to lead the Sailors back to the County Center Final 4 for the first time since 1992. “I like what I’m seeing from a culture-building standpoint and from our response to adverse situations. Our scrimmages exposed a lot of things that we need to work on in every part of the game. It’s a challenge that our coaching staff is really looking forward to.”

Seniors Mike Smith and Nicky Marra figure to add to the athleticism to a fairly youthful unit that includes eight juniors and three sophomores, including juniors Greg Fucheck, Thomas Maloney, Dan Maloney, Jack Attinelly, Ray Morris, Dan Weimar, Pat McGovern and impactful sophomores Dylan Fraser, Austin Fraser and Kyle James.

“At this point we feel good about the competition in practice and we hope that it will translate into a deep roster where we can have some interchangeability,” Hirsh said. “With only three seniors we will rely a lot on them and the returners from last year to be great leaders. We will need everyone to add value in different ways to be successful. This group seems to have a real investment in each other, and I fully expect that they understand the expectation of daily work ethic that we hold to the highest priority. I’m really excited to continue to work with this group and see how they grow and mature as a team.”

The Sailors believe they have legit chance to battle for the league title with Ossining and Lakeland figuring to do likewise.

PANAS (12-8, lost in Sect.1 opening round)

Two years removed from winning the Section 1 title, Coach Shawn Sullivan’s Panthers will likely be in the same boat they were last year; figuring things out until the veteran coach can find the right mix and rotations that will eventually give opposing teams fits down the stretch.

Sullivan, who has quietly developed into one of the better coaches in the region during his 14 years on the Panther sideline, will need to figure out who takes over the first and second options, now that Brandon Collins and Mike Evans – the top two rebounders and scorers from last season – are gone.

Several players who saw supporting roles last season are expected to have a major impact this season, including Brandon Hodge (G, 5’8”, Soph.); Brandon Ramos (F, 6’0”, Soph.); Shakiem White (C, 6’5”, Sr.); David Reynoso (G, 5’10”, Jr) and long Jeremy Keefe (C, 6’5”, Sr.).

“I believe our returning players are ready to step up and take ownership of the team,” Sullivan said. “Hodge should provide us with outstanding ball handing and passing. Reynoso and Ramos should give us scoring from the perimeter while Keefe and White should give us a strong inside game. These guys give us great versatility but it will all come down to whether or not we can rebound and defend.”

Veterans Simmy Mann (6-0, Sr., G) and Brian Denault (6-0, Sr. G) will be joined by newcomers Kevin Dyckman (6-1, Jr. F); Stephan Reyes (5-11, Jr. G) and Nik Veloz (6-0, Jr. G) off the bench.

The unit will find out quickly how they measure up against the locals when the Panthers host the Walter Panas Holiday Tournament on December 11^th and 12^th when Lakeland, Mahopac and Brewster come knocking (First Round Dec. 11: 5 p.m. Brewster vs. Lakeland, 7 p.m. Panas vs. Mahopac). Prior to that, the Panthers will open up against visiting Yorktown (12/4) before visiting Class B heavyweight Putnam Valley (12/8).

LAKELAND (9-10, lost Sect.1 outbracket)

The Henry Weltman era is over and the Steve Fallo era begins. Fallo, the longtime girls’ hoops coach for the Hornets, replaces Weltman, one of the winningest coaches in Lakeland hoops history and a fixture on the Lakeland sideline. Weltman oversaw one of the greatest periods in Lakeland history before stepping down at the end of last season, which was sub-par by Lakeland’s standards; a No.16 seed and an outbracket loss to No.17 Nyack.

The transition began last season with Fallo serving as Weltman’s assistant and it should be a smooth one. Fallo’s first season will see the Hornets coming at the opposition with one of the largest front courts in their history, including seniors PF Trevor McCarthy (6’2”), C Nick Fazio (6’8”), F/C Nick Jarosz (6’4”) and C/F Kyle Peterson (6’4”).

For all the size the Hornets have, the key will be the play of guards Eric Pombo (PG, 5’11, Sr.) and Tim Fallo (6’0″ G, Jr.). John Mule’ (5’11”, G, Soph), Pat Morelli (5’11”, F Jr.), Jaz Burton (6’1″, Jr.), Griffin Shiland (5’11” F, Jr.) and David Kale (6’2″, G, Jr.) should all figure prominently in Fallo’s rotations. Kyle Harrison, Peterson, Matt Tuite and Matt O’Dair are also in the mix.

Lakeland knows what to expect from its front court, but the development of the back court will determine whether or not the Hornets are legit players on the Class A circuit. After opening the season with 2015 Final 4 foe Somers, the Hornets will be tested in their own tournament against Class AA Carmel and Class AA Greeley/Class B Putnam Valley winner the first weekend of December. It should provide a solid early-season test.

“Our goal is to compete and improve every night we play,” said Fallo, who had about as much success as any Class A girls’ coach in Section 1 since the late 80s. “We have good size, athleticism and experienced players, with four returning starters from last year. Senior leadership will be very important to our success. Nick Fazio and Nick Jarosz can be game changers inside. Eric Pombo and Trevor McCarthy will provide us with the leadership and the competitive drive we will need to be successful.

“We have to be an inside-out team with the bigs making good decisions when to kick it out,” Fallo added. “If we can limit our turnovers and make shots from the outside we could be hard to defend.”

PEEKSKILL (6-13, lost Sect.1 outbracket)

The mighty had fallen hard last winter when the 22^nd-seeded Red Devils were bounced from the post-season in an outbracket loss to Hen Hud, thus ending what was a trying first season for rookie Coach Tony Turner, who, like anyone would, found the shoes of NYS Hall of Fame Coach Lou Panzanaro tough to fill. The Red Devils never got any traction last season and were unable to string together any form of consistency. It’ll be on the shoulders of sophomore swingman CJ Redd to restore the pride of Peekskill. Redd, a 6’4” slashing wing who can drill the trey or pull up on the elbow, is Peekskill’s primary option, and for good reason. Redd, who was injured in April and had surgery in June, is hoping to be sharp for the season opener.

“Promise you we’re gonna be good this year,” said Redd. “We don’t have much height but we got speed. I’m just preparing myself and making sure that I’m ready myself. I’ll be healthy by the season opener, just don’t know if I’ll be in shape. I’m working my hardest to get back into tip-top shape! We got a speedy scrappy team this year, and we should be fun to watch.”

Peekskill’s second option behind Redd should be his cousin Chihe Williams, a recent transfer and solid addition to the Red Devil backcourt. Peekskill won the last of its five-straight Section 1 titles way back in 2009, and the dry spell and recent run of mediocrity have people wondering what it’s going to take to get the Red Devils back in the mix of contenders.

CLASS B

Two-time defending Section 1 champion Woodlands, last year’s state runner-up, will have to start from scratch this season, having graduated all but one starter. That said, the door is open for three-year bridesmaid Putnam Valley to come bashing in to the County Center as one of the Class B favorites this season, though Briarcliff is also loaded and Class B is as open as it’s ever been with emerging clubs like Valhalla, Pleasantville, Westlake and Blind Brook all gunning for Woodlands.

PUTNAM VALLEY (15-7, lost Sect.1 semis)

After a dozen or so years of toiling near or at the very bottom of the Class B basement from 2001 to 2011, nobody ever expected to type the following: The Putnam Valley Tigers are seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the Westchester County Center, as part of Section 1 Final 4 this season. The Tigers have gone 49-15 the last three years with many of those wins coming against larger A and AA schools.

The former cellar dwellers are now among the upper echelon of the Class B scene, having lost to the eventual champion in each of the past three seasons, but cracking the upper crust has been difficult in the 2013 semis (loss to Lourdes), 2014 finals (loss to Woodlands) and 2015 semis (loss to Woodlands).

And while the likes of former All-NYS players like Zach Coleman, Jelani Bell-Isaac and Ryan Basso have come and gone, the Tigers may have their best chance to secure their first sectional championship under third-year Coach Mike McDonnell.

“I feel that this group is the most balanced and cohesive group I’ve had,” the coach said. “They are talented, tough and tireless in their quest to be champions. I absolutely love coaching these kids.”

Senior Joe Spinola, a 6’5” C/F, will be one of the central figures on opposing coach’s minds, as the three-year veteran brings some swag and the potential to average a double-double. If Spinola can steer clear of foul trouble, he can post some monster numbers this season, averaging anywhere between 12 to 16 PPG and 10 boards, if he willingly works the glass the way only he can on this team.

Spinola is joined by 6’1” three-year point guard Kevin Gallagher, who will guide the attack and supply the spunk on defense. Gallagher will need to pull the trigger from beyond the arc to open things up inside for Spinola and slashing senior G Ander Spittal, who showed flashes of excellence last season but will need to be the model of consistency this year. Senior swingman Harrison Deegan is playing above the rim this season. At 6’2”, Deegan, among the most improved players in the section, is an X-factor opposing teams will have to counter. The Tigers need double digits from Deegan on a regular basis. Charlie Pagani, a 6’2” F, will round out the starting five as a fifth player who can drop 6-8 points on any given night.

Get freshman Darnell Shillingford on your radar, because the 6’ small forward has the potential to be one of the program’s finest player yet. He’ll come off the bench early and often, a bench that lacks the key ingredient that could hold the Tigers back; proven depth. Senior Justin Tompkins, 6-1, F, is also expected to make a contribution after taking last year off.

Key newcomers include: Marc Zadrima, 6-0, Jr., G; J.T. Montaldo, 6-2, Jr., F; and Justin Acosta, 5-10, Jr., G.

CROTON (13-7, lost Sect.1 quarters)

With 31 years of experience on the Croton sideline, Tigers Coach Bill Thom will be hard to outcoach. With over 600 games under his belt and a 386-238 career record, Coach Thom knows his stuff and last year’s 13-7 record resulted in No.7 and a quarterfinal loss to No.2 Briarcliff.

Thom will turn to Captains Frank Addeo (Sr. 6’2”), Sam Roth (Sr. 5’9”) and Eli Reyer (Sr. 6’1”) to lead a cast of strong returnees, including shifty Charlie Goldberg (Jr. 6’0”), Garrett Lynch (Sr. 6’3”), Mike Matalavage (Sr. 6’0”), Conor Moore (Sr. 6’0”), Rory Parker (Jr. 5’11”) and Kevin Sherry (Sr. 6’0”).

Newcomers Eric De La Cruz (Jr. 5’9”), Justin Kargbo (Jr. 6’0”), Austin Rago (Jr. 6’2”), Graham Webster (Soph. 6’2”), Matt Minett (Soph. 5’9”) and Peter Genarelli (Jr. 5’11”) are expected to add to what Thom termed a strong team chemistry and work ethic, which has been exceptional to date.

The coach cited a lack of experience as a potential weakness.

“We’ve worked hard to date,” Thom said. “It will be interesting to see how the season progresses.”

The Tigers will host the second annual “Hoops for Heroes” event to honor those who have and are serving the U.S. military on Saturday, January 23, 2016. The event will include five varsity games. The Tigers will play in the Putnam County Challenge on January 2rd against Dobbs Ferry.

CLASS C

HALDANE (18-5, lost NYS Semis)

Coach Joe Virgadamo’s 10^th season was the best in the history of the program, one that resulted with a run to Glens Falls for the Blue Devils’ first NYS Final 4 appearance behind All-NYS swingman Peter Hoffmann (Hamilton). ‘The Hoff” set records along the way and Haldane lost to eventual champ Lake George in the semifinals, leaving the Blue Devils with a new era with which to approach.

Senior Will Zuvic, a 6’5” F and the kid brother of Action Jackson Zuvic (Oneonta), will lead the way with two-plus years of vast experience.

Other returning veterans include Tucker Beachak, 6’1” Sr., G; Nick Chiera, 6’2”, Sr., F; David Rotando, 5’9”, Sr., G; Eric Rizzi, 5’10”, Sr., G; and Aidan Siegel, 5’11”, So., G.

Newcomers include: 6’4” junior Blaine Fitzgerald, the kid brother of All-Section center Edmund, and good looking rookie Kyle Sussmeier, Fr., 6-1, G.

The Blue Devils will be looking to earn a trip back to the Westchester County Center for the seventh year in a row, which won’t be easy given all they’ve lost. Still, the Virgadamo Brothers know no other way, and the preparation they put in, coupled with the commitment they command, should be enough to light the way.

Boys’ basketball Coaches are strongly encouraged to contact sports editor Ray Gallagher at Raygallaghersports@gmail.com with positive comments, stats and box score info after each game or no later than Sunday mornings for inclusion in the Examiner’s weekly Boys’ Hoops Notebook.

Putnam/NWE Top 5 Pre-Season Hoops Poll

(Remember, this is a meaningless, speculative, pre-season account of local teams with very little to actually go on)

No.1 PUTNAM VALLEY – Sounds like a homer call here (being involved at the rec. level and all) but what’s not to like; five experienced seniors and a freshman phenom off the bench, three-straight trips to County Center… I’m all in.

No.2 OSSINING – The Griffin kid is a stud and Robinson-Sealy is going to be a special player as he matures, leaving Coach Casey with a nice nucleus of young rooks and solid experience in Stokeley and Toppin.

No.3 HEN HUD – The Jesse Breeding Show will be spectacular times, but who’s going to emerge as the No.2 option. Love me some Frazier boys.

No.4 LAKELAND – Jarosz is a tough son of gun and Fazio can impose his will, defend the basket and finish around the rim, so if the guard play can measure up, Fallo’s first year could be a good one.

No.5 MAHOPAC – There’s just too much athleticism between Donahoe, Foley and Hynes for this unit to have another sub-par campaign like the last one, which was really tough to watch after 4-straight Final 4’s.

No.5A YORKTOWN – DeGennaro and Bambach are more than enough to ensure the Huskers are competitive in this neck of the woods.

LOCAL LEAGUE ALIGNMENTS

Conference I-A

Arlington, Carmel, John Jay EF, Mahopac, Lourdes, RCK

Conference I-B

Beacon, Hen Hud, Lakeland, Ossining, Peekskill, Panas

Conference I-C

Haldane, North Salem, Pawling, Putnam Valley

Conference I-D

Brewster, Fox Lane, Greeley, John Jay CR, Somers, Yorktown