Preview: Malverne Mules Basketball Looks to Continue Its Winning Legacy

Every time Mules varsity boys basketball Head Coach Darrol Lopez walks into the gymnasium at , he is reminded of the late coaching great Hank Williams.

"It is the hardest part of my job," said Lopez. "Following in his footsteps and trying to live up to his legacy everyday."

Lopez has done a pretty good job of that in his last 11 years as head coach.

He has helped the Mules win a state title, four consecutive Long Island championships and six consecutive County titles.

"There is a lot of discipline and hard work that goes into producing these results," said Lopez."Each and every season we set high, lofty goals for ourselves. We know this team means a lot to the community of Malverne."

The Mules return the core nucleus of their squad, including senior forwards Cory Alexander and Ronald Spencer. Senior shooting guard Xavier Bernard also returns.

They will lose a lot of their scoring with the departure of DaShawn Moorer, who set a school scoring record with 56 points in a game last season.

"We will miss his presence for sure," said Lopez. "But we have enough offensive talent left to make another run at a State Championship."

The Mules kick off their season this Monday with an away game against Port Washington High School.