BOYS’ BAKSETBALL PREVIEW
By: Shawn Tyrrell
There were a lot of contributing factors that caused the 2003-04 Manville High School boys’ basketball team to suffer through a 5-15 season. Injuries, illness and academic shortcomings all played a part during the course of the previous campaign.
Manville head coach Larry Blasi, who embarks on his third season at the helm of the Mustangs, hopes the 2004-05 season has a far better outcome. So far with about two weeks of practices and a couple of scrimmages in the books, Blasi is pleased with what has transpired.
"At this point in the season I am pretty happy with the way things have gone," Blasi said. "We’ve had two scrimmages, one against Delaware Valley and the other against Pingry. Even though we are a young team, we held our own against Del Val, but against Pingry, we were outmatched physically and we had some problems."
Blasi again will be coaching an inexperienced and young team. Manville will have returning senior Brian Hahn, who will start at one of the guard positions. Hahn (5-10) has also been chosen the team captain. Other seniors who should see some playing time are forward Brian Upshaw (6-2), forward/center Cory Giles (6-2) and forward Levan Abramia (6-1).
Manville is a bit thin with only guards Keith Miranda (5-7) and Craig Howell (5-10) taking part from the junior class. Miranda should see an abundance of playing time at the other guard spot, while Howell once he gets more practice and game time should be a contributor off the bench.
Blasi was very pleased with the players who have come out from the sophomore class. Returning starter from last year Mike Knitowski (5-11), whom Blasi considers "one of the best all-around players on the team," will be anchored at one of the forward positions and be vital in bringing the ball up the court for the Mustangs.
Another player the coach is counting on to contribute is forward Kyle Sopko (5-10), who despite an early season knee injury has played well. Expect Leonardo Rodriguez (5-7) and Patrick Horner (5-7) to see some action at the guard spot, while Rob Wood (6-0) may impress the coach enough to get some minutes at the center or forward positions.
There are two freshman players that Blasi may move up to the varsity level in Anthony Palovick and Matt Cappola. Both stand around six feet tall and should see time at the forward position.
"We are a young team with a lot of inexperience," Blasi said. "Our lack of size up front is definitely going to hurt us. But overall, we have shown a lot of hustle and the players have a good attitude and play aggressively."
Blasi of course hopes the team can wind the season up with a .500 record. But he pointed out that none of the teams in the conference are down so it will be a challenge for the young Mustangs to deliver.
"Because of the inexperience we are teaching the kids a lot of basic skills," Blasi said. "It would be nice to have another week to prepare before we have to start the season. Hopefully, we can improve on our play from last year, when at times we would play well for a quarter or two and then couldn’t finish."
The season kicks off at home tomorrow night against Oratory Prep.

