Bosch, Turner Return to Lead Red Raiders

Undersized center Matt Bosch seemed to improve and gain confidence with
every game last season. 

It might or might not be a coincidence that the same could be said about
the boys' basketball team, which lost five of its first
nine games, but finished the season 16-12 with an appearance in the South Jersey Group III semifinals.

At 6'4", Bosch, who scored 15 points a game, and was among the top rebounders in the Cape-Atlantic League, is one of two starters back for the Red Raiders, along with Chris Turner, one of the most exciting and athletic players in the league.

The Red Raiders will lean on their returning starting duo this season, especially early in the season. The 5'9" Turner makes plays on both ends of the court, and is most efficient when he plays under control. Turner, who averaged 13 points a contest, can score from anywhere on the court and isn’t afraid to attack the rim, despite his lack of height and size.

“We have a nice inside-outside type of threat,” Ocean City coach John Bruno said.

Bruno expects that Bosch may be even better this season, adding to his
skill set.

“Last year he played strong inside,” Bruno explained. “He has worked hard
on handling the ball and to look for the ball on the outside a little more. He
is definitely stronger and more physical. I expect good things out of him and from Chris, too.”

The Red Raiders will look to three players — guards Andrew Kimball and Kieran Keyser and forward Connor Hart — coming off a successful soccer campaign to fill out the starting lineup. Kimball played the most of the trio last season, filling in for injured players, and Hart saw limited varsity time as a reserve.

With three new faces in the starting lineup, Bruno expects it will take
some time for the Red Raiders to come together.

“The kids need confidence in their games,” Bruno said. “It’s their first
varsity season and it will take a lot of learning and there will be some bumps in the road. As the season goes on, I expect them to get better, playing as a team. We haven’t played much together.”

He added: “We are still trying to figure out where everybody fits in,”
Bruno said. “We definitely need to develop a bench.”

That bench will include seniors JaVonn Parrish (forward), Matt Mayo
(guard) and Ryan Gill, a guard who transferred from St. Augustine and will
play eligible to play the second week in January. The group also includes juniors Steve Parrish (forward), Vince Terry (guard) and Ryan Laverty (guard/forward).

“We have to develop some type of depth,” Bruno said. “We are trying to
figure out what are roles we are going to play.”

Ocean City opens its season at home 7 p.m. Sunday night as part of the PBA Tip-Off Weekend against Egg Harbor Township.