Wantagh Boys Basketball Primed For Playoff Run Behind Experienced Seniors

The boys basketball team capped off last season with three consecutive wins. Although it was not enough to sneak into the playoffs, the Warriors look to continue that same momentum heading into the 2011-12 season. 

Wantagh finished last season with a 7-9 overall record and a 5-7 mark in Conference A-I. With many close scores resulting in unfortunate losses, the Warriors know their record could have easily been several games above .500. However, with a wealth of talent back, the team feels that this year is just the perfect time for a comeback.

"We are coming together early and are hoping to become a contender for the conference," said Wantagh's third-year head coach Keith Hunter. "I expect them to improve a lot. I know we are going to be good, but it is just a matter of when.”

Wantagh will need to replace their leading scorer from last season, All-County player John Reicherter, as well as John Ingrilli and Mike Tomeo. The players to do just that is led by a class of seven seniors, including third-year varsity player Justice Perez, along with Matt Balzano, Corey Stavis and a number of other key components.

“We are a good team, but we just need to know how work with each other and learn how each other plays,” Devine said of the early goings in practice. “We have a lot of seniors on the team this year, so the experience will be good. I am looking to compete and win the Counties.”

A trio of juniors will be also be incremental parts for the Warriors to have a successful run to what they hope is a deep playoff run. Junior Gerard Roche, also a third-year varsity player, and Eric Reganbogen will headline the backcourt, with 6’ 7” junior Brendan Devine anchoring the paint.

“We have done well in our scrimmages, but we still have room for improvement,” Roche said. “We want to send a message that, even though we are not usually a basketball powerhouse, we want to win the division and we are going to be a force to be reckoned with all season.”

South Side, Roslyn and Garden City will challenge the Warriors in league play throughout the season. The team will also match up with Jericho and New Hyde Park twice during the league schedule.

"I don’t see anyone in our conference that is going to be easy,” Hunter said. “There are no walks in the park, but we are hoping to be near the top.”

Before league play starts in the first week of January, Wantagh will look to challenge itself with non-league games against Freeport to open up the season, as well as Levittown Division and Roosevelt. The Warriors will also host the Wantagh Tournament, scheduled to start on Dec. 5.