Boys’ Basketball—

New-Look Team Will Try To Outrun Tough Conference Competition

By Andy Hutchison

If the faces on the floor look familiar — but not too familiar — to you, you’re not alone. All five starters and a key reserve player graduated from last year’s 15-win team, bringing a new look to the Newtown High School boys’ basketball team’s starting lineup in 2008-09.

A bulk of the team, however, is comprised of varsity returnees who have off-the-bench as well as plenty of junior varsity experience. Sure, this group as whole may be somewhat untested at the varsity level, but expectations remain high at NHS.

Because the team does not possess much height by basketball standards (seniors Ian Cooper and captain Connor Collier are the tallest at a little over 6 feet), the Nighthawks plan to utilize their speed and athleticism — much like the NHS girls’ squad.

Of course, lack of height is nothing new. The coach said NHS typically has a small team, but also has a tradition of good point guards. He credits freshman coach/athletic director Gregg Simon for preparing the young players for varsity ball.

“We’re a little small, but we’re quick and we can keep up with teams,” said senior captain Kurt Nacewicz, adding that he believes the Hawks can have some success in the playoffs.

At practice this week, Head Coach John Quinn had his players participating in a full-court, back and forth progression drill to build stamina and expose the players to variety of gamelike situations. The drill started with running and passing, took on shooting and eventually two-on-one and three-on-two, and then three-on-three plays. It was fast-moving and a sign of things to come this season.

“We’re going to run, drive, and penetrate. I think with the type of kids we have that’s the best way to play and yield positive results — and that’s the most fun way to play,” Quinn said.

At The Helm: Quinn is in his 11th year as head coach.

Last Year: The Nighthawks were 15-5 and lost in the quarterfinal round of the South-West Conference Tournament and in the second round of the Class LL State Tournament.

Shoes To Fill: The six graduates are PJ Cochrane, Kevin Troy, Jason Smith, Dan Smith, Greg Rodden, and Mike Maher.

“We have some pretty big shoes to fill after last season. With this group of players we have we’re pretty athletic and we can keep up with any team with our quickness,” senior captain Dan Quinn said.

This Year’s Captains: Quinn, Collier and Nacewicz.

Other Players To Watch: In addition to the captains, seniors on the team are Ian Cooper and Vinny DeAngelis. Juniors include Kyle Kromberg, George Zaruba, Casey Tenney, Peter Manos, Max Paynter, Dan Lynch (whom Quinn said is the team’s most improved player), and Nick Nazer (a transfer who is not unfamiliar with many of his teammates. Nazer played youth travel ball with several of the Nighthawks before moving to North Carolina). Sophomores are Josh Engler and Sean Maher.

“These kids are really excited about playing,” Quinn said.

Strengths: The team will use its quickness to attack the basket and kick the ball outside for open looks, Quinn said. “We’re not blessed with height. We’re blessed with speed and athletic, intelligent basketball players and I prefer that. They play smart and they play hard,” he added.

Question Marks: Will Newtown be able to outrun teams enough to have success? How quickly will the players step up in their new starting and varsity backup roles?

“I think we can come together and do pretty good things this year,” Collier said.

Coach’s Goals: “I expect to be competitive,” Quinn said. “Our goal is always to win the SWC — Ambitious, but possible.”

Circle It On The Schedule: The SWC Tip Off Tournament is next week at Notre Dame-Fairfield and the first home game is December 23 against Norwich Free Academy (7 pm). NHS doesn’t return home until January 16. “Our schedule is a bear,” Quinn said. And not only because of the road-warrior status the Hawks will take on early on; the opponents are formidable to say the least. Defending SWC champ Stratford (January 20 away) returns all of its starters and, along with Notre Dame-Fairfield (February 17, home), is a favorite to win this winter, according to Quinn. Last year, Newtown won the Tip Off tourney as well as the Holiday Tournament (which this year will be at Weston on December 29).