Boys Team Starts Basketball Season With A Win

When the Springfield boys basketball team steps on the court this season, they won’t be lacking senior leadership.

The varsity team consists of 10 seniors and one junior, which means it will be the last time the majority of the team will be able to compete for a championship in their high school career.

This year may actually be Springfield’s year. A Central League that is up for grabs, the Cougars carry a guard heavy roster that might wear out its opponents.

“With our depth we can run kids and out and try to play at a high rate of speed,” said head coach Kevin McCormick. “It should give us advantage against teams that don’t have a high experience of depth.”

Springfield also has the advantage of knowing how to play in close games.  

“We play a lot of close games,” said McCormick. “We play a lot of games within the four to five point margin. We don’t blow anyone out.”

Already a man down with its floor captain, senior point guard Chris Devinney out with a broken hand before the season even started, McCormick was able to plug in senior Zac Furia in his place.

It shows just how deep Springfield’s roster is.

“We are very guard heavy,” said McCormick. “The seniors have played together for a number of years. There is certainly some terrific team chemistry and great leadership on this year’s squad. Duplicating last year may be possible. We will see what happens.” 

Springfield did post an impressive 16-9 overall record last season. Improving that record may also be a goal for the Cougars, but McCormick notes that he just wants his troops to get better every game.

“We don’t care about records,” said McCormick. “How we did in the last game is all that matters.”

Springfield runs a Princeton offense, and plays mostly man-to-man on the defensive side. With that formula, the Cougars are capable of snagging the Central League crown, even if they aren’t favorites. 

“I would say matching last year’s win total would be a success,” said McCormick. “Looking at the Central League, though, this year everyone is going to be chasing Lower Merion.”

Springfield Cougars Facts

Coach: Kevin McCormick (18th season)

Last year: 16-9 (10-6 Central League)

Key Players: Seniors Chris Devinney, Mike McKale, Matt Pearse, Matt Fox, Zac Furia, junior Dan Rutecki.

Game to watch: Ridley Dec. 13, at Penncrest Jan. 13, at Delco Christan Jan. 14, Pottsgrove Jan 21

Schedule:

Dec. 9 Interboro 8 p.m. (65-41 Springfield)

Dec. 13 Ridley 7:30 p.m.

Dec 16 Marple Newtown 8 p.m.

Dec 20 at Conestoga 7:30 p.m.

Dec 22 Strath Haven 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 Haverford High 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 Radnor 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 Harriton 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 Upper Darby 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Penncrest 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Delco Christian 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 Lower Merion 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 Marple Newton 7:30 p.m.

Jan 21 Pottsgrove 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Garnet Valley 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Strath Haven 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Radnor 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 Penncrest 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Harriton 7:30 p.m.