BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAPTAINS, from left, Greg Basilesco, Traverse Briana and Paul Pasciuto returned to the court this week and are looking forward to making some noise in the Cape Ann League this winter. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ basketball team returned to the court this week and are looking to run past the competition this year.
The Pioneers concluded last season with an 11–10 record. The locals advanced to the Division 3 North state tournament, where the fifth seeded Pioneers fell to 12th seed Swampscott 65–60.
Lynnfield has a strong nucleus returning to the court this winter, which makes head coach Scott MacKenzie optimistic about the upcoming season.
“As it has been every year since I’ve been here, our mission this season is to approach each practice with the utmost urgency and work to make each other better,” said MacKenzie. “If this happens, the results will be what they are and we’ll see where we stand at season’s end.”
The Pioneers will be led by three captains this season, including senior guard Traverse Briana.
“Trav’s explosiveness, athletic ability and fearlessness separate him from most players on the floor,” said MacKenzie. “There isn’t a thing he can’t do and, once more, you know he can be relied upon in the toughest of spots. The kid is unflappable.”
Senior captain Paul Pasciuto will be playing both forward and center this season. MacKenzie said Pasciuto is going to be a force in the paint.
“Paul is so athletic and so cacheable that he is going to be that guy who will be counted on to wear many hats this season,” said MacKenzie. “Points, rebounds, steals, deflections, whatever. Paul will be a huge stat sheet kid and his motor just doesn’t stop, which is something you can’t teach.”
Senior Greg Basilesco will be playing a key role in the Pioneers’ backcourt this winter.
“Greg is the type of student-athlete that every coach, regardless of the sport, wants desperately to have on their team,” said MacKenzie. “He is a team-first kid who works his tail off in practice and doesn’t care if he starts or comes off the bench. That’s a real special quality right there. He’s just a tremendous leader.”
Junior Brendan Sullivan will be the Pioneers’ starting point guard this season. MacKenzie said he believes Sullivan is going to have a breakout year.
“Brendan is our coach on the floor and no doubt will be relied upon to carry a big part of the load both offensively and defensively,” said MacKenzie. “He is supremely talented on both ends and the kid is as competitive as it gets. To be honest, I’m expecting this to be a real big season for Brendan, which is great because as he goes, we go.”
The Pioneers are also welcoming back guard Nick Eliopoulos, guard/forward Jake McHugh, senior guard/forward Tom Kearney, senior forward/center Ethan Forrest and forward/center Phil King.
Lynnfield has welcomed several new promising additions this season. MacKenzie has high hopes for guard Esaie Philantrope, forward Mike Carangelo, guard/forward Louis Ellis guard and Tucker Torosian.
MacKenzie said its too early to determine what the Pioneers’ strengths are this season. During a practice session last Thursday, MacKenzie emphasized the “little things” such as boxing out, rebounding and scoring in transition. He also led the Pioneers through pick-and-roll scenarios, pick-and-pop situations and how to read the defense.
“We need to work on everything and that’s the beauty of high school basketball,” said MacKenzie. “It’s never pretty and there are always things to improve upon. Offensively, defensively, practice habits, whatever. We are always striving to get better.”
The Pioneers opened the 2014 Cape Ann League season against Manchester-Essex on Tuesday, Dec. 16, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield travels to Georgetown on Friday, Dec. 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Pioneers host Amesbury on Monday, Dec. 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
