By: Redd E. Patrick
Since head coach Dave Turco took over the reigns of the South Brunswick High School boys basketball program in the fall, it’s been a one-step forward, two-steps back process.
After all, Turco was hired late and missed out on the summer season, then inherited a team which had just one starter returning and two players overall with real varsity experience.
The Vikings got out to a solid 3-1 start with the one loss coming to state power Roselle (5-0), but then stumbled against Old Bridge (56-50), a team not expected to be among the elite in the GMC’s Red Division.
On Tuesday night, however, the Vikings responded to that home loss by traveling to Piscataway and knocking off the Chiefs, 55-48. Piscataway and St. Joseph’s are the two teams expected to vie for the Red Division crown this season.
"We needed that one," said 6-4 junior swingman Cliff Breese, who scored 16 in the victory and is averaging 17.1 per game. "I think this will head us in the right direction.
"The Old Bridge game is a game we should have won. The coach let us know about it, but that’s good because he supports us. He knows we have the talent, so it’s up to us to go out and show it."
For three quarters, the two clubs played even, but Piscataway took a 39-35 lead heading into the final eight minutes. At that point, the Vikings took over and outscored the Chiefs 20-9 to close out the game. Senior Tyrell Thompson came off the bench to record seven of his 11 points and three of his five steals in the decisive session.
"Tyrell played a phenomenal game for us," Turco said. "Stonkus (6-8 sophomore Dan Stonkus) picked up some quick fouls and sat most of the first half, but other players stepped up and picked up the slack. They have a big kid inside (6-6 Andre Davis) and for us to only be down three at the half was good."
Chris Brown, whose father Charles is the head coach at Piscataway, added 10 points to the balanced, winning attack, while Stonkus finished with eight points and seven rebounds. Defense, however, was the key.
"Our goal was to hold them to 48 or under and we did that," Turco said. "Nothing fancy, just straight man-to-man defense. We also did a great job on the boards. We didn’t let them get many second shots and we came up with some timely steals."
"Coach always stresses defense," said Breese. "We had some rough games defensively, but I think we’ve improved drastically in that area. Coach has some real good philosophies on defense."
Turco added, "We got a lot of contributions. Kyle McKendrick played very well as did Joe K (Kannampuzha). Chris Brown was his normal self doing all the dirty work and Cliff played well along with Danny."
Next up for the 4-2 Vikings is a home date vs. St. Joseph’s tonight (Thursday). Both clubs, along with Piscataway and Perth Amboy are all 2-1 in division play and tied for first place.
"After the Old Bridge loss, the kids came into practice and were focused and ready to go to work," Turco said. "Coming into the season, we basically had a team of JV players with the exception of Chris and Danny. But now they are starting to see their roles and I think they’re seeing how hard they have to work in order to be successful. The Piscataway win was a big one for this group."
Said Breese, "We started off a little slow, but we’re becoming more of a team, more of a family every day. That’s what the coaches stress and I think we’re getting there."

