One of the most anticipated sports for the winter season has arrived, basketball. After a very disappointing 2-15 last year, Manhasset is on the rise with a very young 2013 team. Most of the team are Juniors, with a total of four Freshmen, Sophomore, and Seniors combined. With hopes of making the playoffs, they seem to be a much stronger team than last years. The team has played together in a Spring, Summer, and Fall league. They have been playing well together and have been melding together as a team.
The group of players in the fall league won the division and put some momentum on their side heading into the season.
The Indians anticipating high scoring this year with players like Jawaun Gillespie and Tramont Smith. With the anticipated highscoring players and the team focus on defense, Manhasset High School Basketball is poised to make a big play in the division. Both Gillespie and Smith are prominent scorers but have different styles.
Smith is a very explosive player with a developing jump shot. Gillespie is a player with a strong jump shot who has a solid lay-up at attacking the basket. Gillespie and Smith will be the foundation of the Indians scoring as well as playing a tough defense.
The team will also will rely on returning players Keyshawn Johnson and Thomas Duran. Their skills will be key to the 6team’s success. Johnson Duran are talented in retrieving rebounds and pose a strong defense. Returning guards include Chris DeMatteis and James Thomas who are great defensive players and sparks the offense.
Luke Hedberg, a senior, will be an excellent offensive player and with his determined hard work ethic. Michael Bellucci will be another offensive weapon for the Indians who has a respectable shot.
There are a few first year players on the team that are looking to make a huge impact for the Indians. Jack Keogh, a freshman, has years in his game beyond his age and is a great point guard for the team. John Sanseverino another young guard (sophomore) has a sound jump shot, that goes in consistently. Joe Enea will be another big man to add to the team. His skill as a solid rebounder will help the team.
The team is primed for an excellent season. Coach Bruns claims “We will have no trouble scoring points, but we must put all of our focus on defense.”
