Published in the December 14, 2016 edition
SENIOR CAPTAINS Louis Ellis (left) and Michael Carangelo will be leading the boys’ basketball team this season. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ basketball team is back on the court and is looking to make some noise once again.
The Pioneers concluded last season with an 18-5 overall record. Lynnfield qualified for the Division 3 North state tournament and advanced to the sectional finals. The second seeded Pioneers fell 65-62 to sectional champion Bedford in a thrilling and memorable contest.
Lynnfield has a strong core returning to the fold this season, which gives head coach Scott MacKenzie high hopes.
“We’re excited, which I think is the norm for every coach and every team at this time of year,” said MacKenzie. “There is a great bunch of kids in this locker room who want to work and learn and get better as a unit. As a coach, this is a great place to start.”
Two senior captains will lead the Pioneers this year, including Louis Ellis.
MacKenzie said, “Louis is 6’4.” He has parking lot range on his jump shot. His athleticism just cannot be found in most high school gyms and the kid simply loves to play. Louis is a stud and he will be counted on to defend the other team’s best perimeter player and take big shots when we need them. This might be a monster year for him.”
The Pioneers’ other captain is senior Michael Carangelo.
“Every team should be fortunate enough to have a kid like Michael on their team,” said MacKenzie. “He defends five positions and his basketball IQ makes everyone around him better. There’s something great to be said about a teammate who routinely sacrifices some of his own offense for the greater good of the team. Michael is a real-deal player and his leadership will be instrumental to our success.”
The Pioneers have several other key players returning this season including point guard Billy Arseneault, who played an instrumental role in helping the locals advance to the Division 3 North finals last year. The locals are also welcoming back guard Bryant Dana and senior forward Will Klotzbier.
MacKenzie said the Pioneers’ work ethic is the team’s biggest strength this season.
“This is a group of guys who seem to want to get better, both individually and as a team,” said MacKenzie.
When asked what the Pioneers need to work on, MacKenzie said “everything.”
“And that isn’t just coach speak,” MacKenzie continued. “We’re barely two weeks in and guys are still trying to figure out how to practice the right way and execute on the floor and take their own personal agenda and place it to the side for the next three months. In this regard, we have so much work to do.”
MacKenzie also declined commenting on whether or not the Pioneers are in a strong position to contend for the Cape Ann League title.
“I try not to speculate on things like this because it takes away from the daily mission and grind of the season, which is to work ourselves to the bone in practice in an effort to get better as a team,” said MacKenzie.
