Fisher, Rock, Palovick return as leaders
by Shawn Tyrrell, Sports Writer
Last year it took the Manville High boys’ basketball team about half a season to really start playing the way that most fans and their coach expected. After struggling to a dismal 0-8 start, a squad loaded with experienced senior players concluded the 2006-2007 campaign with an 8-13 record.
This winter, first-year head coach Marty Geiger is hoping for a much quicker start. Geiger, who takes over for departed head coach Larry Blasi, worked with the Mustangs during the summer despite not officially being named the head coach until August.
Geiger has a solid nucleus returning in seniors Billy Fisher (5-10, 185), Anthony Palovick (6-0, 190) and Brian Rock (5-11, 175) to anchor the team. Fisher and Rock should be the starters in the backcourt, while Palovick will be the team’s center and top rebounding threat. The keys for Manville will be the reserve players and if the team can get consistent scoring on a nightly basis.
One big surprise has been the return of Adam Hardgrove. The senior (6-2, 210) is coming back from two knee injuries and if he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a real bonus for Manville. Hardgrove brings good size and ball handling skills to the court. Former head coach Blasi was always high on Hardgrove and hoped he would be able to come back at some point.
Other players that will be asked to step up include seniors Nick Quinones, Shane Jurkowski (6-2, 180) and Mark Kulick (5-8, 180). Also expected to see playing time are juniors Eric Hall (5-9, 150) and Matt Zangara, (6-0, 160) and freshman Mike Hopkins. All will see time off the bench and will be pivotal in being able to provide scoring and defensive help.
The Mustangs already have been hit with a major injury. Junior Danny Pierrot (6-0,160), who was expected to see considerable playing time, has been lost for about six weeks with a dislocated elbow.
Despite the setback, MHS has played well in two scrimmages against Pingry and Immaculata. The Mustangs are scheduled to open the season with three straight home games, starting Friday night against their rivals from Bound Brook. Rock hopes the team will start out better than last year and is encouraged by what he has seen so far.
”Hopefully we don’t start out 0-8, and I don’t think we will,” Rock said. “We did a good job against both Pingry and Immaculata. We did some things well but had some turnovers because a lot of the younger guys played. It is good that we get a chance to see what everybody can do.”
The Mustangs have a good chance for a .500 season. If they can stay healthy, get consistent scoring, and keep the turnovers to minimum they can surprise some teams.

