Wrapping up the campaign this week, Coach Carl Buffalino is disappointed in his South River High School basketball team’s 7-14 record, but has praise for the Rams’ work ethic.
"I’m happy with the overall effort, even if I’m not thrilled with the record," he said. "We had some problems and adversity to overcome."
Certainly the main obstacle was the loss of 5-11 senior guard Mike Feaster, who went down with a broken finger seven games ago. Feaster had been sparking the team with a scoring average of 15 points per game and with his leadership qualities.
"The guy carried us, and we missed him a lot," said Buffalino.
The Rams also lost Feaster’s backcourt mate Zack Earvin for several games, although the 5-10 senior is back and averaging 13.5 ppg.
In South River’s opening-round Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament loss, a 51-43 decision against Highland Park, Earvin contributed 12 points and seven assists, and helped the Rams make it close in the fourth quarter, before the Owls pulled away in the last half-minute of play.
As for other seniors, Jamaal Bell (6-2) has done a lot of little things well, and 7-0 center Craig Miller has progressed in the season’s final stages.
"It was only his second full year of basketball, and he’s started to play with confidence," said Buffalino. "He’s more aggressive, and not as laid back as he had been."
Senior Bob Bodak (6-2) has offered some quality minutes, while the final 12th-grader, 5-10 guard John Soltis, is an inspirational leader.
"He’s just a great kid," said his coach. "He keeps the team loose."
Buffalino is enthusiastic about his contingent of underclassmen, including 6-3 junior forward Doug Gunderson, largely a jayvee player in the beginning of the year who has come on to contribute four or five points and rebounds apiece on the big club. Spot starter Kevin Grabowski, a 5-11 junior guard, has also added several points an outing.
"We have a freshman, 5-9 J.J. Adelino, who has very good potential," said Buffalino.
"As a freshman, his ball-handling skills are tremendous, and he’s not afraid of tough situations."
Completing the roster are sophomores Chris Selvaggio, Tyreek Robinson, Lee Matesh, Frank Gorchess and Robert Hickey. All are about 5-10 except Matesh, who stands 6-2.
Buffalino is assisted by junior varsity coach Kevin Gardner, frosh boss Mike DelVersano, middle school mentor Dave Davidson and volunteer Mike DeSantis
The Rams wind up the 2001-2002 season on Friday against Point Pleasant Beach.