BOYS HOOPS
By: Redd E. Patrick
South Brunswick High School boys basketball coach Dave Turco has it all figured out.
Looking at his schedule, which includes a rugged regular-season slate vs. such Red Division teams as Piscataway, St. Joseph’s, Old Bridge and Perth Amboy among others, Turco figured his Vikings would have to win three of their first four games in order to qualify for the NJSIAA State playoffs down the road.
That’s exactly what they have done.
After a victory against Edison on opening night (49-31), followed by a GMC crossover victory against Union County’s Scotch Plains (63-61), the Vikings went 1-1 in their own holiday tournament. South Brunswick suffered an 80-57 decision against state power Roselle, another Union County school, then bounced back with a 51-36 decision over Mercer County foe West Windsor-Plainsboro South.
Despite the loss to Roselle, Turco actually thought his team came of age.
"They wound up pulling away from us, but I thought we proved we could play with them," Turco said. "The kids showed that they’re starting to pick things up. Giving up 80 points is way too much and that’s something we’re working on, but we’re getting there."
Before the season, Turco claimed to have nine to 10 players he could count on to contribute and that’s what he’s been getting.
Senior Chris Brown, the lone returning starter back from last year, has led the way. Brown, not known for his scoring, dumped in 27 on Scotch Plains, which included 19 of 24 from the foul line. He added 10 against West Windsor.
"Chris is our best player, night in and night out," said Turco. "He comes to play every night. He does all the things needed to win, he boxes out, gets to the loose balls, sets the hard screen. Then he surprised us with 27 points. We go as he goes."
Sophomore Dan Stonkus, a 6-8 center, has also played well.
"Defensively, Dan has been outstanding," Turco said. "He’s rebounding, changing shots and he’s freeing up our guards."
Cliff Breese, a 6-4 junior, was the game’s high scorer vs. Roselle as he dropped in 28, including six three-pointers.
"Cliff’s our go-to guy," Turco said. "Against Roselle, he was phenomenal."
At the point guard spot, Joe Kannampuzha and Kyle McKendrick have shared the duties.
"I’d like a little more consistency as far as controlling the tempo," Turco said. "But they’re learning a new system and we’re asking a lot from them, so they’re still picking it up and they’ll be fine."
James Promise and Anthony Clemente have been playing at the two-guard position. Against West Windsor, it was Clemente leading the way with 15 points. Clemente, who has been nursing a high ankle sprain, was healthy for the first time against WWPS.
"We’re getting contributions from a lot of players," Turco said. "That’s been a strength of ours. Right now, we’re giving up more points than I thought, but we’re also scoring more."
The Vikings have played their last three games without defensive specialist Nana Ampin, a 6-3 junior who was visiting family in England over the holidays.
"To go 2-1 without Nana is something I’ll take," Turco said. " He’s our best defensive player, so we’ll be better when he gets back."
That will be Saturday when the Vikings host Old Bridge (3-2) at 1 p.m.
"We’re about where I thought we would be," Turco said. "I figured we’d have to win three of our first four in order to make the states. We have a long way to go and our schedule is tough, but we’re getting better. The kids are starting to pick things up and I’m encouraged."

