By Steve Bigham

The Newtown Middle School boys’ basketball program continues to get stronger with each passing year and further proof of that should come this season as a talented group of eighth graders take the floor.

A year ago, the Lions rolled to a 15-6 record behind all-everything player, Andrew Fiscella, who poured in 25 points a game. The 2000-2001 squad also has its share of guys who can light it up, but look for this group to rely more on a balanced attack.

There to lead Newtown through its 19-game schedule is second-year coach John Girard, who sees his team finishing with another winning record. Last year, this particular group of 8th graders finished 8-0 under Tom DiBenedetto on the 6th and 7th grade team.

“Overall, I think we should do very well this season. It’s nice to see the middle school boys finally having some good teams. The talent is really starting to come together,” Girard said this week.

Newtown’s lineup includes a handful of really big players sprinkled in with several quick guards, who should be able to penetrate the defense.

“Our big guys can put back whatever they miss,” Girard said.

Of course, the Lions will also rely on their transition game and Girard has his kids conditioned for the long haul.

“We want to wear teams down in the second half,” he said.

Newtown will be led by tri-captains Pete Dittmar, Josh Rouse and Marcus Tracy. Dittmar is considered the team’s top ball handler and can shoot from anywhere on the court. Rouse, standing 6-0, is a steady all-around player and will be called on to help with the scoring load. Tracy has shown great agility in driving the lane, has good hands on defense and is one of the team’s quickest players.

Newtown should be able to dominate in the paint thanks to the presence of Brennan Coakley and Dan Cascone. Coakley, 6-3, is a strong rebounder and shot blocker, while Cascone, 6-2, is considered a “mountain” in the paint.

Top athlete John Collins is new to the sport, but has managed to pick things up rather quickly. The guard was the quarterback for his Pop Warner football team during this past fall. Also expected to contribute is Ryan Davies, who possesses quick hands and good court vision, according to his coach.

Guard/forward Garrett Hahn has demonstrated a fine outside shot and should help out on the board. Another top shooter is 5-9 small forward Kyle Lyddy, who can drain shots from behind the arc.

The team’s fastest player appears to be 5-11 forward Stephen Lamb, who has an uncanny ability to block shots, according to his coach. Another speedster is Nick Mentessana, who plays solid defense and will key the Lions’ fastbreak.

Anthony Santella is another one of Newtown’s talented fleet of guards, who can handle the ball, shoot from the outside and dish the ball inside to the big men.

Newtown opens the season December 12 at home against Memorial Middle School of Middlebury. Its second game will take place December 14 at home against Seymour.