Marines Boys' Basketball Looks to Rebuild in 2011

Although 2011-12 is a rebuilding year for the Long Beach boys’ basketball team, there’s reason for six year head coach TJ Burke to be hopeful about the prospects his team.

Burke has players that bring plenty of talent to the court, as well as the experience of witnessing the work ethic that last year’s senior-heavy squad brought to the game.

“We’re inexperienced, we’re young, but we’re dangerous,“ said Burke as the Marines worked out at the high school gym this week. “So we’re hard to measure.”

Gone are the likes of Josh Trone, Cedric Coad and Jayman Teemer, whose experience and athleticism turned a winless 09-10 season into a .500 season last year.

“That was a great group,” Burke said. “They worked hard, they watched film to the last game of the season. These current players saw what they were like, and they learned from that.”

Returning for Long Beach are three seniors who saw limited play last year, and three sophomores — two of whom were significant contributors last year as freshmen. “It’s a young, young team, but we‘ve been working really hard with them in AAU and other club ball,” the Marines coach said.

Point guard Will Sims, a senior, will be called on to run the show. Senior Daryl Brown, who will slot in as the two guard but likely see point guard action, is likely to be the team’s best scorer, Burke believes.

“He was out best shooter last year, he’s quick and a great athlete,” Burke added. “He can dunk, he can shoot, and he can finish at the basket.”

Senior Kevin Rourke, a 6’ 3” forward, will be joined on the front line by sophomore Tariq Cole, at 6’ 7” and 300 pounds plus, a growing presence on the hardwood court.

“Tariq’s not completely dominant yet but he’s significant,” said Burke. “He’s got great hands and good feet. And with his size, they’re not stopping him.”

Up from junior varsity is another forward, junior Tyquan Scott, who is 6’ 4” but whose wingspan is neary seven feet. And Stephan Pitts, who saw starting action for about half of last year as a guard, brings athleticism and quickness to the backcourt.

With a lineup like that, says Burke, the Marines will have to play two different games.

“When Tariq can get up and down the court, he’ll be the catalyst, we can let him dominate first,” he said. “And when he’s out, Tyquan can back up in the five slot. That means our guards can overpressure, because there are big guys behind them. In fact we’ll be able to press for entire games. Defensively, we’ll be fine.”

As for the offense, Burke believes that’s something that’s going to have to emerge as the season begins. “It’s going to be up to us to figure out who we are,” he said.

The season starts with two non-league home contests against Roosevelt on Dec 10 and Syosset on Dec 13. The league opener is on the road at Mepham on Dec 16.