Season Preview: Calhoun Boys Basketball

When you finish a season 4-13, there's nowhere to go but up, but talk to Calhoun basketball coach Jay Kreutzberger, he'll tell you his squad started their climb amidst the losses, giving the Colts a head start on the new season.

Indeed, Calhoun was more competitive as last season rolled on, keeping games close, and the team hopes to build on that improvement as it begins a new season on the hardwood, competing in Conference AA-III.

"Instead of looking at [last year's record] as a time when we took our lumps," Kreutzberger says, "we look at it as a time we've grown into a team that's ready to start competing from the get go this year."

Kreutzberger's optimism stems from the fact that every player he wanted back, is back. Unlike a lot of teams, there is nothing to file under the 'key losses' column as the season approaches. 

The coach says the team is deeper than a year ago, with bench players ready to push the starters for playing time. This in turn will keep his starters fresher, and overall make for a livelier environment in practice.

Offensively, Kreutzberger sums it up in three words: attack the rim.

"Feed the post...we want to get the ball into the paint, whether it's with entry passes to our forwards or dribble penetration, we're going to attack the rim," he says.

To do just that, Kreutzberger will rely on his senior co-captains, forward Andrew Lief and center Jon Wigand, to score, defend and lead.

"It's clear that this is their team...they need to look for their offense a little earlier in games, demand the ball and lead by example," Kreutzberger says.

Wigand shares his coach's view on playing a full four quarters.

"We have to come out faster out of the gate," Wigand says. "We were slow staring every game last year; that was a big problem."

The captains will be joined up front by swingman sophomore Tom Joannou.

"He's a very good perimeter defender, he's a slasher developing his shot," Kreutzberger says of Joannou, adding that seniors Joe Freda and Justin Fields return to add frontcourt depth off the bench.

In the backcourt, juniors Danny Trepel and Chad Fuschillo established themselves as starters down the stretch last year, allowing senior Devon Pazmino to settle into the sixth man slot, adding a spark when called upon.

"He brings us instant offense off the bench," Kreutzberger says of Pazmino.  "[This role] frees him up from the responsibilities of point guard to where he can show his ability."

Coming off the bench at guard will be sophomores Tommy Murphy and Dean Brownworth, both of whom Kreutzberger says have a strong 'basketball I.Q."  Rounding out the bench are sophomores Ian Stone and Frankie DePinto, two good shooters who can help the Colts break a zone.

For their part, the Colts stress a man to man 'D', but Kreutzberger says he plans to deploy the zone trap to change things up a bit.

The players are eager to get the season started, which they will do Dec. 8 at Oceanside. They feel the chemistry is better than it was a year ago, and hope it carries them to a few more wins in 2010-11.

"There's been a great vibe at practice so far," Lief says.  "We want to build off it and hopefully make the playoffs this year."

Coach Kreutzberger is optimistic as well.  He's challenging his squad to pick themselves up and rebound from the inevitable growing pains.  He says the Colts are more athletic and smarter than a year ago, and says there's no reason Calhoun can't compete with anyone on a nightly basis.

"My expectations?" he says after a long pause.  "We're going to win."

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