Young Knights improving with each game they play
Face East Brunswick
tonight in tough Red Division battle
It’s been an up and down season for the young Old Bridge High School boys’ basketball team, but as Coach Rocky Knowles points out, his players are gaining valuable experience that will come in handy next season.
The Knights, who are coming off a victory over Perth Amboy, are 5-9 on the year. Old Bridge has also defeated J.P. Stevens, St. Mary’s, Wall and Woodbridge.
"It’s definitely been an interesting year," said Knowles, who regularly plays four sophomores. "Some games we’re better than others, but lately our younger players have been starting to step up. They’re getting more and more comfortable and it’s showing in their play."
Although the Knights are young, senior Matt Olivieri is the team’s heart and soul. The point guard is averaging 11 points and five assists, despite a painful muscle pull in his lower back.
"Matt is playing through it," the Coach said. "But it hasn’t been easy. It does affect him on the court and staying in condition is tough. When we’re practicing or scrimmaging, Matt’s in the trainer’s room getting therapy. Afterward, he works hard on the stationary bike.
"So it’s been hard on him, yet he’s ready for the games," the Coach added. "We’re very lucky to have him. He’s not just a good player; he’s a tremendous leader."
Another hard-nosed player is Steve Humiston. In addition to averaging more than eight boards, the junior forward does all the little things that open up space for his teammates, Knowles noted.
Another senior, Jose Rodriguez, has provided scoring in spurts, including a 19-point night. Rodriguez is averaging about seven points. Forwards Pat Adamasec and Will Bean give the Knights rebounding depth up front.
Then there’s the sophomore contingent led by point guard Steve Barella, who spells Olivieri. Barella can break the press and is an aggressive defender. Danny Zaffiero, Spencer Corbett and Brendan Nolan have also shown much promise in their first varsity season.
"Overall, I’m pretty happy with the way we’ve played," Knowles said. "I knew coming in that we would have some growing pains, yet there’s only been one really bad loss. The guys have kept themselves in most of the games, and I think we’ll pick up some more wins. This team has a bright future."
At 5-9, the Knights find themselves toward the bottom of the very competitive GMC Red Division, topped once again by a St. Joseph’s team flirting with an undefeated regular season. But right behind St. Joe’s are Edison and East Brunswick, a couple of teams capable of making things difficult for the team from Metuchen.
As for Knowles’ Knights, they will continue to play hard and try to notch some wins along the rest of the way. They are set to face East Brunswick tonight in what should be a tough matchup for the Knights. From there, they will host a resurgent South Brunswick team on Monday. The Vikings have become one of the tougher teams in the Red Division, and have been improving with each game.