NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - After last year’s heartbreaking sectional final loss to Tuckahoe, North Salem's boys basketball team returns with a strong core and high hopes for the new season.
With nine players back from last year’s squad, including three key starters—Max Cotrone, Jameson Juan, and Lucas Virzi—the Tigers are poised to make a deep run and chase a coveted gold ball.
Senior point guard Max Cotrone will lead the offense, looking to surpass 1,000 career points before wrapping up his four-year varsity career. Supporting him, shooters Jameson Juan, Lucas Virzi, James Nemeth, and Patrick Dooley provide offensive stability, while newcomers Andrew DeLarco, returning from Kennedy Catholic, and Bryce Bryant, coming back from Stepinacs’ freshman team, add valuable height and depth to the roster.
Chris Brandt, in his first year as head coach, is optimistic about the team’s depth.
“We have a very deep bench this year, with 9 or 10 players we can confidently play throughout the season,” he said. “Aidan Santis and Orlando Mulaj will be our spark plugs off the bench, bringing energy on both ends of the court.”
The Tigers face a challenging schedule and started the season under difficult circumstances, with a flu outbreak affecting early practices. Despite the rocky start, Brandt emphasizes team cohesion and effort above all.
“I want the boys to play for each other and support each other, whether they are on the court or the bench,” he said. “If we cannot do that as a team, we will not be successful.”
North Salem opens the season at the Pawling Tournament on Friday, Dec. 5, against Dover, with hopes of reaching the tournament finals on Saturday. The first week of league play will test the Tigers early with matchups against Put Valley and Haldane, two teams that have historically given North Salem trouble.
Brandt’s goal for his inaugural season is simple: maximize effort, build trust, and foster team unity. “We cannot play as individuals; we must play like a team,” he said.
If the Tigers can embrace that philosophy, they could be well-positioned to return to the County Center on March 7.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here