Bring Out the Round Ball, Tigers Boy’s Basketball Preview
What is most essential for success for the White Plains High School Boy’s Basketball Team this season is to understand the concept of working together as a team and being unselfish on and off the court during the process.
The Tigers have all the elements in place for a productive 2013-14 season, except for possibly a formidable center that can dominate the boards and post-up to force an offensive inside-game.
Although, Tigers’ senior forward/center Justin Tapper states he is tough enough to handle the challenge in the front-court this season. “I am versatile player, so I can play either position (forward or center). I believe I am strong enough, I can hold my own,” emphasized Tapper.
Tapper played in all 20 games for the Tigers last season and he started in 17 of those games. As a junior, Tapper averaged 5.5 points per game and 3.5 rebounds. With the Tigers two big-men from last season, Robert Lorden and Nathaniel Hudson, having graduated, Tapper’s performance in the front-court is essential for the team’s success this season.
Another front-court player, whose production must complement the play of Tapper, is senior forward Rexler Noel. Noel was injured during the offseason and missed playing summer basketball ball. However, he has recovered fully to his leaping form this season.
Noel is probably the most athletic player on the team. He is quick up-and-down the court and his leaping ability is tremendous. Noel averaged six points and 3.8 rounds per game last season. “For us Rex has to play a significant role this season and build upon where he finished last season and take it to another level,” stressed Tigers Head Coach Spencer Mayfield, who is beginning his 21st season at the helm this year.
The 2013-14 Tigers roster incorporates three members of the Tigers Section 1 Championship Football Team. Fullback Chris Jordan, wide receiver Marshon Morris and quarterback Cameron Crabbe are on the Tigers basketball roster. What is most impressive regarding these three players, while only having one week between seasons, they are physically ready and anxious for playing time.
Tigers’ senior wingman/slasher Morris was a star wide receiver on the Tigers Championship football team. Morris, to say the least, will be an important player at the guard/forward position this season. “I feel great. I am looking to play basketball, a sport that I love. I am coming off of a great football season and we are hoping to do the same here (with basketball),” stated Morris.
Morris played in 19 games and started in 17 games last season. He averaged five points and nearly two assists per game. Morris, who moves well without the ball, must concentrate on improving his ball-handling and passing this season. He had the most turnovers on team last season with 87. However, he is a proficient defensive player, who ranked second on the team with 30 steals in 2012-13.
This will be Crabbe’s initial season playing varsity basketball. The Tigers football quarterback did play two years on the junior varsity team but did not play varsity basketball last year. “To see Cameron coming out to play basketball is a great feeling,” smiled Morris, who played with Crabbe two years on the junior varsity team. “Cameron is such a good athlete and he can do so many things, he is a welcome addition,” stated Mayfield.
The Tigers are anchored this season by senior guard Mike DeMello, who will be the catalyst of the team. The Tigers offense will work through DeMello this season. DeMello started all 20 games last year for the Tigers and was an All-Section selection. He averaged 17 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last year.
“The beautiful thing about this team is that we have so many leaders. I think that was our problem last season is that we lacked leadership,” revealed DeMello. “The football team set the bar high and all the White Plains sports programs are trying to do what the football team did. Our goal is to compete for a Gold Ball and go on from there,” declared DeMello.
Also joining the team this season is freshman wingman Jordan Tucker. Tucker can play any position on the court. He will be an impact player this year; in fact he is already garnishing interest from major college programs.
Speed will be the Tigers biggest advantage this season, along with the depth of this year’s team. They will also be strong on defense. “We really use two forwards and three guards and sometimes four guards and a forward. We will just have to combat (bigger teams) with our quickness, depth and rotations,” explained Mayfield.
The Tigers finished with an 8-12 record last season. Their season ended with a loss to Mt. Vernon High School, in the first round of the sectional playoffs. Mayfield has won two Section One Titles and two NYSPHSAA Championships (1994 and ’99), during his 20 years as the Tigers Head Coach. He is hoping to follow the success of the Tigers football team and add another Sectional Title to his resume this season.
“I think the team is going to blend nicely this year. They went through some tough times last season and they are hungry to improve upon last year,” said Mayfield.
The Tigers open their 2013-14 season, against Byram Hills High School, at home in the Harry Jefferson Gym, at WPHS, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 4:30 p.m.
