Boys Battle Hardwood Hardships

This year, boys’ varsity basketball will come under the new stewardship of Coaches Conrad Pitcher and Matt Langione. Both played competitive high school basketball and Mr. Pitcher has served as the varsity team’s assistant coach for the past three years, alongside last year’s Head Coach Dave Powers. Mr. Langione served as the boys’ thirds coach last year.

Last season the team played 24 games, finishing with a record of 9 wins and 15 losses.

This season, the team is stacked with a completely upperclassmen group consisting of a very strong junior class headed by returning contributors Jimmy Bitter, Yianni Grupen, Kyle Kager, and Andrew Sutphin. Conner Scott ’10 is the team’s sole captain, although they may elect another.

The team will certainly miss the leadership of Will Workman, a PG who played a big role in the team’s success last year and now plays at Amherst College. However, Coach Pitcher asserted, “We have enough depth and talent to be a very strong team.”

Alongside a strong core group of returning players, five PGs join the roster to lay the foundation for a successful season. Among them are Connor Arnold, Justin Dana, Will Hall, Christian Walsh and Trevor Wheeler. In addition, Hayes Gifford ’10 and Seth Stegelmann ’11 will step up from JV to join the team.

Unfortunately at the outset of the season, the team has been plagued by injury with Scott healing from a lingering shoulder injury from football season and Arnold and Walsh also battling injuries. Luckily, most of these injuries are close to being healed, meaning these players with be able to contribute sooner rather than later. “I’m excited about a season with a number of talented players.” said Mr. Pitcher