Mark's note: Don't have scoring details, but Assumption squeaked out a 55-52 OT win over St. John's last night in BCSSAA Senior Play. This article appeared in Monday's Expositor.Article By: Brian Smiley
After claiming the championship at the season-opening Brantford Expositor Ed O'Leary Memorial Senior Boys Basketball Tip-Off Tournament, the St. John's College Green Eagles are flying into the Brant County high school season.
However, when the Eagles play at Assumption College on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against the Lions in one of three season-opening tripleheaders, by no means will they be a finished product.
"I was very impressed with the team," coach Mike Doherty said of the team's performance at the O'Leary tournament. "I was really impressed with the leadership. We're really trying to establish a real hard work ethic with these guys and we got it from everybody.
"We're way ahead of where we should be but that doesn't mean we're good (enough) by any stretch. We have to build off of this."
The Eagles are building to try and win a championship but the coaching staff is looking for a lot more than wins and losses.
With about 20 players to choose from, St. John's selected 14 players for its roster. The coaches felt keeping a couple of extra players - teams are able to dress 12 - would help since players sometimes miss practice or games due to school or work commitments.
"I think the group has lots and lots of potential," said Doherty. "(Head coach) Tim (Dawson) and I are really trying to drill them about team.
"It's not about winning, it's about being successful. It's not about what you get, it's about what you give.
"I think the kids so far are buying into it."
St. John's has eight returnees, including four of their five starters from a year ago. That may have helped with the team's early season success.
"We're actually in good shape," Doherty said. "That's why I think we're a little bit ahead of everyone else."
Early season practices have been a hit so far.
"Practices have been so great," said the coach. "They're really trying to make everyone better in practice. I'm impressed with the effort."
With a we instead of me attitude, St. John's will expect some of its more experienced players to lead the way.
The team, which according to Doherty is full of guards, will be led by two back-court players in Tim Dawson and Adam Peters. The coaches are also expecting big things from post players Cam Post and Jake Brennan and so far they've been pleasantly surprised with a couple of others.
"Connor Kuzmich is playing fantastic," Doherty said. "He's a Grade 12 kid and he's really come into his own. He's really improved quite a bit.
"Adrian Mendoza, he's a Grade 11 kid. I've been very impressed with Mendoza's leadership this year. He's really buying into it."
Overall, Doherty said the team has a pretty good look to it.
"I think we are balanced," he said. "I don't think we have that true superstar. We think that we do but we don't.
"I think if the team can buy into that giving, giving, giving . . . I think that's what's really going to help us be successful."
St. John's, which will look to build an identity on defence, can push the ball up the floor if necessary. But just like the entire season, the coaches will preach patience.
Doherty said he expects the Brant County league to be "very competitive."
"The sky's the limit for any team."
Retrieved From: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2013/12/02/senior-eagles-enter-basketball-season-with-optimism
