LR varsity boys’ basketball preview

Head Coach: J.P. Yorkey

Junior Varsity Coach: Chris Marston

Team Roster: Seniors Alex Hall (forward) and Alex Hartford (forward); juniors Derek Douglass (center), Patrick Irish (guard), Mike Mageles (guard), Lewis Morton (forward), Shane Porter (forward) and Mike Triglione (guard/forward); sophomores Ben Chaine (guard), Erik Christensen (forward), Cody Gibbons (guard) and Sam Smith (forward); freshman Quinn Piland (guard).

Top Returnees: Alex Hartford, who averaged 11.4 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game; Mike Triglione, who averaged 6.6 points per game; and Alex Hall, a defensive stopper.

What will it take for the team to be better (5-12) than a year ago? Coach Yorkey lists playing calmly, confident, tough and together.

Based on what you have seen in preseason, what do you feel are the team’s strengths and weaknesses? On the strength side, Coach Yorkey says, “Great group of kids who get along well with one another. They listen, they hustle, and they are good teammates. We do have two returning starters, nine returning varsity players and a core group that has played together throughout the off-season.”

As to weaknesses, Coach Yorkey said, “We are a bit undersized up front and inexperienced in the backcourt.”

Three goals you have for the team? 1.) To be able to consistently possess and control the ball against any opponent; 2.) To master our defensive scheme; and 3.) To enjoy the game, enjoy each other, and give back to the community.

To be competitive, what are the three key things your squad must do? 1.) Consistently possess and control the ball against any opponent; 2.) Master our defensive scheme; and 3.) Enjoy the game, enjoy each other, and give back to the community.

What three things have you encouraged about this year’s team? “We have a good number of players that really love this game and have a good basketball IQ. They understand basketball terminology and can pick up some things quickly. This is encouraging,” Coach Yorkey said. “I have seen progress toward really tough, physical team defense. This is encouraging. I have also seen recent improvement in half-court offensive execution.”

What a Player Thinks

What do you see as the three keys for success for this season?

Alex Hall: Communication, dedication and trusting other teammates with the ball.

What are you most excited about?

Alex Hall: I am most excited about the start of the season. The team has put in a lot of summer and fall hours into playing in different leagues to make ourselves better. To top it all off, we start out against Poland, which could not be more exciting for me. We know they are a very strong team this year, so our skills will be tested when Friday comes around, but I have no doubt that we can beat them.

“We will have a good season if we....”

Alex Hall: Keep our heads up throughout the whole game. Last year, I felt that even if we were close to some good teams during the game, we felt that once we came out of the locker room after halftime, the game was done for us. It will be important for each player to make sure everyone’s morale around them stays strong no matter what quarter the game is in. I think if we can accomplish that, we have a much  better chance of staying close in tight games and possibly coming out on top in the end.

The Schedule

Fri, Dec. 9, 7:00, Poland

Tues., Dec. 13, 7:00, at Yarmouth

Thu., Dec. 15, 6:30, Waynflete

Sat., Dec. 17, 5:30, Freeport

Tues., Dec. 20, 7:00, at Gray-NG

Thu., Dec. 22, 7:00, at Cape Elizabeth

Wed., Jan. 4, 7:00, at Greely

Sat., Jan. 7, 6:00, Wells

Tues., Jan. 10, 6:30, at York

Thu., Jan. 12, 7:00, Falmouth

Sat., Jan. 14, 5:30, at Freeport

Fri., Jan. 20, 7:00, at Poland

Tues., Jan. 24, 6:30, at Fryeburg

Fri., Jan. 27, 6:30, York

Tues., Jan. 31, 7:00, at Falmouth

Sat., Feb. 4, 6:30, Greely

Mon., Feb. 6, 7:00, Fryeburg

Fri., Feb. 10, 7:00, Gray-NG