Thursday, November 26, 2009

2009-10 Preview of the CSI/McCown Boys' Basketball Team


2009-10 CSI/McCown boys' basketball preview
Daniel O'Leary, November 24, 2009 8:19 p.m.

Amir Archer, a junior, returns as CSI-M's top offensive player. - (Photo by SILive.com user yankeepacker)HEAD COACH: Ray Palma, second season ASSISTANT COACHES: Eliot Wilson, Brian Linner, Frank Allende LAST SEASON: Overall: 4-16. PSAL: 1-13
PROBABLE STARTERS G Haywoode Yatco (5-3, So.) G Joseph Ojo (5-8, Fr.) G Christopher Frank (6-1, So.) F Amir Archer (6-4, Jr.) F Quamaine Tomlin (6-5, So.)
KEY RETURNEES Archer, now a junior, averaged 12 points per game and is back bigger and stronger according to Palma. "He has really developed," said Palma. "He led us in scoring last year and we're looking for him to be able to move away from the basket a little this year and rebound and initiate our fast break." Frank moves off the ball after handling the point last season. "He had to play point guard out of necessity last year, but this year, he'll be unleashed," said the coach. "He has free reign and we need him to be aggressive." Talon Turner, a junior guard with experience, will likely come off the bench.
TOP NEWCOMERS Palma is excited about a quartet of new arrivals. Tomlin is a transfer from Moore Catholic, Yatco takes over at point guard and freshmen Ojo and Brandon O'Keefe will contribute. "To have two big guys like Quamaine and Amir playing alongside one another can be a big advantage," said Palma. "But they have to complement each other and they can't crowd each other. If they do that, we can be a special team." Yatco opted not to play last year but is a "pure point guard" and will run the show. "I'll put him up against anybody," said Palma, who expects both freshmen to make an immediate impact as well as soph guard Schwartzen Jarmon.
2010 OUTLOOK "I think we are going to be competitive this year and that's why I'm excited about this team," said Palma. "Obviously every year the goal is to make the PSAL playoffs. Whether that is a reachable goal remains to be seen. I'd guess we're probably going to lose some games we should win and win some games we should lose."

4 comments:

Aimee Horowitz said...

Congratulations to the CSI/McCown Dragons on their victory over Bard Early College High School in the Annual Thanksgiving Eve Tournament! Thanks also to our great coaching staff. You have truly made these boys become a team that learns and grows together both on an off the court. It has been amazing to witness their growth as a team. Thanks also to all our students, alumni, parents, teachers, staff, and safety agents who showed up to support our team. The feeling of team and school spirit totally permeated the air in our gym last night and our boys did an amazing job! Here's to the start of a great season! GO DRAGONS!

Arber Sejdiu said...

Great job team, you guys made our school proud. I did not get to go to the game but still in my mind I was cheering you guys on. Keep up the good work team make our school proud!!

Coach Palma said...

A small step in a long journey. As young as we are, there are sure to be many bumps in the road. As long as we continue to work hard both on and off the court. Our team will continue to improve and provide a lot of excitement in our school. We go on the road to New Dorp on Friday the 11th at 6:00pm. We are also back home vs. MSIT on Monday Dec. 14th at 6:00pm. Come support your CSIM Dragons.
My Best at all times,
Coach Palma

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