All right, I’m ready for my midseason unofficial report here on the local boys hoop scene.
It’s been a strange first half. There is no doubting Central’s dominance through the first half so far.
A couple issues to clear off the deck:
First, I have to admit a mistake and make an apology to the folks over at North Andover.
I have spoken off and on about the transfer of junior Evan Sheehan to Central Catholic from NA.
I made an error in reporting earlier, and it might not have place NAHS in the right light.
NAHS never signed off on Sheehan’s waiver to play. That was never in dispute. On his third and final appeal, Sheehan won and earned the right to play this year.
Herein lies my mistake. He did not play the first six games. I reported that as part of the settlement with the MIAA. The truth is, and coach Rick Nault confirmed this Tuesday night, that Sheehan had to miss the first six because Nault played him in a preseason scrimmage.
While the appeal was pending, Sheehan was still not eligible. The six games were the penalty.
My reporting may have placed NA in a bad light, and for that I apologize.
Second, there wasn’t a ton of chatter here, but I’m wondering if you all caught my boys hoop All-Decade Team in Sunday’s Eagle-Tribune.
Not a bad read if I do say so myself.
Any comments, critiques, criticisms???
I will say this, the Player of the Decade might have been my toughest choice of them all.
Personally, I felt strong about the choice. I mean how many losses has Carson had in four years at CC? That number is in single digits.
How many of those big games has he changed? That number is upwards of 20.
I only bring this up because my No. 2 choice, Andover’s Chris Vetrano was that good.
Chris is still the area’s leading scorer. He earned a D1 scholarship to UNH and had a couple of big games there before tearing it up against St. Anselm.
As I look back, it was as tough a selection process overall as I’ve seen.
Marquis Victor only made honorable mention. Kid was a dynamic game-changer at CCHS.
Chris Tardif, again HM. Was there a better player at Timberlane? Maybe, but I might have to go back to Dave Kirsch’s days there.
Even heard from the folks at LHS, who thought Luis Perez deserved a better slot than third team. Of course, playing only two seasons at Lawrence definitely hurt him.
I’m curious what the rest of you hoop gurus thought.
OK, on to the midseason thoughts.
We’ll go alphabetically here:
Andover – Back on track at 9-3 after an inexplicable 38-point loss to Brockton. That loss may have been exhibit A in the indictment of the talent level in the MVC this year. Or maybe it was just a mirage. The Warriors top five can play with anyone in my eyes. I do wonder what happens and will happen when this team goes to the bench. If Spenser Rose can score, and the Brama Bull doesn’t have to do it all, then Andover can be dangerous. I still don’t think they’ve played their best yet.
Central 10-0 – Tough to find fault without a loss yet. Sure, you wonder how they’ll handle backcourt pressure, or if anyone outside of Desrosiers, Zenevitch and alvarez can make a big shot when it matters.
Absolutely can not wait until Sunday with Worcester North.
Georgetown - 7-3 is a nice spot for this group, especially with the losses of Jaymie spears to St. Mark’s and Noah Vonleh to Haverhill. Still, the Royals, who’ve been buoyed by the emergence of Johnny Spears at the point have a tough road ahead.
Greater Lawrence – Have to consider the 3-7 a disappointment. Too many missed manpower games to discipline issues. You have to appreciate the effort turned in by coach Dan Habib, who is determined to get it done the right way.
Haverhill – At 3-7, it’s one of those halves that make you go hmmm. Still, there looks to be better days ahead with the fab frosh, Noah Vonleh and a team that scraps for 32 minutes. Find a way to beat NA in the 4 ot game and knock off Methuen (65-63 loss Tuesday night) and Mike Trovato’s crew, despite all the early travails, is looking toward a state tourney berth.
Lawrence – The 8-4 mark is solid, especially after a strange opening blowout loss to Eastie. Love the way Alicea is playing. Got the size with Hiraldo and Calzetta up front. Huge “who’s for real” game Tuesday with Andover.
Londonderry – At 3-2 in Class L, a clear surprise. Mike Colby’s playing great. CJ Flanders is Mr. Intangibles. Again, first-year coach Jeff Gustavson faces the same dilemma Jimmy Zorbas did. That quarterfinal barricade should dominate every thought in Lancer country from now to March.
Methuen - Staring at 4-6 with a favorable schedule. You know I love the Ranger fight. I mean this is a group that took some lumps early. Honestly, a 2-5 in the league, this team has the chance to get back into the fight to defend its MVC small title.
North Andover – The clear beast in the CAL. Tough to defend, because they come at you from a different angle every night. The rematch with Masco should be a blast.
North Reading – Can the Hornets be consistent enough to hang around in the CAL small? With the firepower coming from the two Rosanos and P.J. Dionne, my answer is a resounding yes.
Pelham – Again, a young team that has been excellent, smothering teams on the defensive end and vulnerable at others. Just say you’re a Class I contender, do you want to see the Pythons come playoff time? Not with Stephen Spirou ready to drop 30 on you on any given night.
Pentucket – Coach Parent’s crew is hanging tough at 4-5. 10 wins would be a huge season for this crew. Of course, Corey McNamara and his 38 3-pointers have been a major boost.
Pinkerton – Solid front-court play has the Astros in the top half of Class L. Now how far can they go? Nobody in the Granite State can match Proulx-Mathieu-Patrikis up front. Is that enough?
Salem – Tough road ahead for the Blue Devils, who’ve established LaRosa on the perimeter and Gallant in the paint. It’s the complimentary pieces and their progression that could mean the difference between a playoff berth and a tough, tough winter.
Sanborn – 1 win for a group that is working basically from scratch.
Timberlane – Same can be said for the Owls, who had to replace the franchise in Erik Hatton.
Whittier – At 7-4, the biggest surprise of the first half. To think the Wildcats have done it with only a part-time Tito Pizarro. Giant strides for a program in need of a lift.
All-Area first half team
1st team
Carson Desrosiers, CC
Jimmy Zenevitch, CC
Jaylen Alicea, Lawrence
Stephen Spirou, Pelham
Joe Bramanti, Andover
2nd team
Ben Proulx, Pinkerton
Alex LaRosa, Salem
Noah Vonleh, Haverhill
Raudy Minaya, Methuen
Corey McNamara, Pentucket
MVP: Zenevitch
Rookie of the half year: Noah Vonleh, Haverhill
