Newmarket Mules Boys Basketball: Reviewing the Roster

It's just three games into the season, and the Newmarket Mules boys' basketball team is 3-0.

In their Division 4 Power Rankings this week, 603 Basketball ranked them third in the division behind only Concord Christian and Littleton. Since their next game isn't until Wednesday in Epping, we decided to give you some early thoughts on what we've seen from the roster so far, player by player:

LJ Boyd: Raw, but once he gets more comfortable on the court, look out. He's already provided some big minutes off the bench, is always diving on the floor for loose balls, and has shown some really good defensive instincts, especially under the basket. An imposing defensive presence and incredibly strong on the boards.

Nate Dyer: Was expected to be a major contributor off the bench, maybe even starting some games, but he's been limited early in the season due to illness. Will be a welcome addition as a shooter and ballhandler once he returns.

Baris Fortier: Leading D4 in scoring, he's had some electric games already, showing an improved ability to elevate and get to the rim and to score from beyond the arc. Here's hoping the shot to the face sustained in the game against Franklin doesn't keep him out too long.

Alex Henry: Has started every game so far, and has hit some big shots and provided solid defense down low. Needs to be a major contributor on the boards and as a scorer moving forward if this team is going to have a deep playoff run.

Jaron LaBranche: Started to look more like himself against Franklin, scoring early and often, and in all three games he's shown greatly improved defense and truly looks comfortable and in control as the team's lead ballhandler this season.

Cooper Mills: Look who recently got added to the team's roster... Does this mean he's close to a comeback from the knee injury suffered during soccer season? If it does, look out. Coop really emerged as a scorer over the summer and could be a real difference maker if healthy.

Matt Napoletano: Wasn't expected to play so many minutes this early in the season, but due to injury and illness this freshman has started and played during crunchtime in some key games. His clutch three late in a tight game against Sunapee was huge, and he continues to impress on defense.

Jameson Senesombath: Missed the first game of the year with an ankle injury suffered in the preseason against Littleton, and didn't really look like himself for most of the Sunapee game until he reeled off 5 straight points to close out the win. Definitely returned to form against Franklin, and looks to pick up where he left off in next week's games against Epping and Nute.

Parker Sweitzer: Has scored in double figures in 2 of the team's 3 games so far, and seems to be able to use his physicality to blow by defenders whenever he wants. He's shown an improved jump shot as well, and if he continues to progress as a scorer, it's going to be huge for the Mules.

Sean Vincent: Missed the last game against Franklin, but prior to that, he had displayed improved ballhandling and he has always been able to rain threes.

Carl Zheng: Got some decent minutes in the wins over Nute and Franklin and has shown some real aggressiveness in the minutes he's played so far, scoring a bucket in the second half of this week's game.

The Newmarket boys play away at Epping on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., and at home against Nute on Thursday, Nov. 22, also at 7 p.m.