Panthers Boys Basketball Wants Repeat Playoff Run

Though the Miller Place boys basketball team has nine senior players this year, it's not banking on experience. Most of the current upper classmen were backups last year and the team lost three of its key seniors from last year's 18-4 season. Still, Coach Brian Sztabnik said he's looking for another playoff run this season and the new team has already been proving its ability in the non-league schedule this year.

2009-10 Record: 18-4 (lost in Class A semifinals to Bayport-Blue Point)

Head Coach: Brian Sztabnik (5^th year)

Key Players:

• Kevin Leyden, 6-2, Sr., F: The Panthers have been able to bank on a consistent performance from Leyden, who was the third man off the bench a year ago. After a productive off-season, he's shown good touch on the mid-range jumper and the ability to finish around the basket. Sztabnik said Miller Place won't necessarily run every play Leyden's way, but he's all over the box score nevertheless. He had 24 against Islip earlier this year.

• Dan Finta, 6-6, Sr., C: A football player, Finta's size can't be ignored. He exhibits strong post moves and can also step out and hit the elbow jumper. Also, if he's open, he can hit the three-pointer. Finta's also the Panthers' biggest presence on the backboards by a wide margin. He was a backup last year but is a focal point on offense now.

• Steve Jackolski, 6-0, Sr., G: Jackolski has a knack for beating his defender with the dribble and finishing around the hoop. Sztabnik also calls him the Panthers' "most versatile defender," exhibiting quickness and athleticism that gives his assignment fits.

• Jack Hepburn, 5-10, Sr., G: The Panthers' returning lead scorer is the team's biggest perimeter threat. He's capable of huge scoring nights like the 26 he dropped on Smithtown West on Dec. 22. Hepburn has developed the ability to penetrate the lane and finish with a nice floater.

• Nick Parrella, 5-10, Sr., G: Parrella, a three-sport athlete, is the Panthers' floor general and top on-the-ball defender. His speed makes him a tough assignment for the opposition defensively. Parrella sees the floor well and can find teammates in spots where they're comfortable with the ball. He also features a reliable jumper – his buzzer-beating three-pointer sent the Islip game into a second overtime – and has no problem matching up against a bigger guard.

Key Losses:

• Taylor Sowah – playing at SUNY New Paltz, All-County player, averaged 18.2 points per game as senior
• Brian Campbell – All-Conference player
• Jimmy Hatton

Key Games:

• Jan. 11, vs. Sayville (4 p.m.)
• Jan. 20, at Islip (5:45 p.m.)
• Feb. 1, vs. Kings Park (4 p.m.)

Expectations: "We want to make it to the playoffs again," Sztabnik said. "If we do it this year, that's three times in four years, and for us as a school, it's a nice sign of where the program is at. There are no easy games, so we need to come every single night and play hard."

News & Notes: Balance will be the key for Miller Place. In its first six games, it has had four different leading scorers: Jackolski, Parrella, Hepburn (2) and Leyden (2). It's a sharp contrast from last winter, when Sowah was so often the first option on offense. Free throw shooting is a concern for the Panthers. Against Islip, they shot just 21 for 40 from the line, eventually losing the game in double overtime, 76-72. The key for Miller Place this year is on the glass. The team isn't blessed with a great amount of size, so limiting opponents to one shot per possession is important.