Hoopsters Off to a Great Start
Head Coach George Passante is really enjoying his
fourth year with the Kingsway varsity basketball squad. Last year, the
Hoopsters wound up 10-16 thanks to a strong finish. When I interviewed
Passante this season, they were already off to a great start at 7-4.
Passante said he can’t take all the credit for
the team’s success this season. He definitely recognizes the fine
assistant coaches who have helped groom this class of basketball
sensations: Bob Green (junior varsity), Brian Tonelli (freshman),
Brian Homer (volunteer) and Andrew Owens (middle school).
 When I asked Passante what he owed this great
start to he responded without hesitation, “Work ethic and speed.” “The
kids work really hard this season,” he added.
What makes this great start even more amazing is
that no one on the entire varsity squad is more than 6 feet 1 inch
tall. “That’s why the kids work so hard this season. What we lack in
height, we make up for in hard work and determination,” said Passante.
Another notable point is that some of the early
losses were to the likes of Williamstown and Gloucester Catholic who
are both ranked in top 20.
Captain RJ Page, a senior guard, is the team’s
leading scorer. According to Passante, Page is also the state champion
for the 100 in the group III for track and has a 4.0 GPA to go along
with his athletic prowess.
Captain Kyle Stein, a senior forward, works
exceedingly hard during practice and while participating in the games.
“Stein is a true leader,” said Passante.
Senior Brian King, the team’s point guard, brings
an extra gear to the team. “King is very quick and has been invaluable
to the team,” said Passante. King also played tailback in football.
Junior Ryan Juhring plays guard. “Juhring is an
excellent shooter,” said Passante. With shooters like Juhring, other
teams will have to think twice about challenging the Dragons in a zone
defense.
Junior Tom Dickson plays forward for the mighty
Dragons. “Dickson brings a lot of energy to the team and he’s tasked
with guarding the other team’s big man every night,” said Passante.
Junior Stephen Pigford plays forward. Pigford is
one of the most well rounded players on the team.
Junior Jared Flynn plays guard and comes off the
bench as sixth man for the team. “Flynn can play a couple different
positions for the dragons, which makes him very valuable to us,” said
Passante.
Junior TJ Cratt plays forward. Cratt is very
athletic and pulls down lots of rebounds for the team.
Freshman guard Rondell Gilmore is a great
up-and-comer. For this age he is a very good defender. Watch out for
him in the future.
The outlook for the Kingsway hoopsters is that
they are hopeful to be in the playoffs. This would be their second
playoff appearance in the past four year. If the Dragons keep playing
they way they started the season, they will. Passante told me he
couldn’t be happier with this group of boys. On and off the court,
they are the leaders of tomorrow and he is proud of each and every one
of them. |
