BY VIN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer
The Shore Regional boys basketball team started its season off strong with a 57-37 victory over a much-improved Henry Hudson team.
With only one returning starter back in the lineup, the win was even more important as a morale booster for the Blue Devil team.
Senior guard Ryan Paskin represents the throwback from last year’s 17-7 Shore team, that finished 11-3 in Class B Central play. Last season was Paskin’s first year in the varsity lineup, and he performed well, averaging 10 points per game.
First year head coach Rich Sherman will look to Paskin to provide his young team with the on-court leadership the team will need.
“We’re looking to him for scoring, ball handling and leadership for the season,” said Sherman.
Coach Sherman will mix in a total of six players in his starting lineup, all of whom are interchangeable depending on the opponent.
Junior center/forward Chris Lehman returns to the team after serving as the team’s sixth man last year. This year the Blue Devils will depend on the 6-foot-4 Lehman for defense, scoring and rebounding.
Ricky Braha is a junior point guard who will be looked to set the table for the Devils this year. This is Braha’s first season working the point, and coach Sherman will look for him to run the offense and put forth steady defensive pressure in the press.
In the middle, Sherman will look to junior center Pat Gornick to provide a steady inside game, both offensively and defensively.
Senior swing player Anthony Ferraro will work as a forward/guard. One of the top soccer players in the state, Ferraro will add his strong stamina to the starting lineup.
Sophomore Gary Knoeppel will also see some time in the starting lineup, according to the coach. In his first game on varsity, he scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded six steals.
Not a bad debt, to say the least.
“He had a great game, and he’s definitely a rising player,” said Sherman.
The team will also see contributions from seniors Sean Jenings and Craig Wagner, and juniors Mike Rosenblum and Gregg Williams. The four will add depth and experience to this young team.
Coach Sherman has also pulled up a handful of underclassmen for the season. Sophomores Jake Sullivan, Mike Mahon, Sean Farawell and freshman Dennis Galvin will all contribute to the team this winter.
Coming off a 17-7 season, the team will have some big shoes to fill for the season. Coach Sherman’s expectations are high, especially after their big opening victory.
“We’ll continue to work off of the first game, keep rebounding and running our sets properly,” said the coach. “We’re looking to get better and better as the season gets going, and we hope to challenge for a division title and make states.”

