By Steve Bigham

C

oach John Quinn says he is “cautiously optimistic” about the 2000-2001 squad. The third-year coach has always tried to avoid the clichés that coaches often use in sports. In this case, however, his remarks appear to be right on the money.

There truly is reason to be “cautiously optimistic” about this bunch.

The caution stems from the fact that this is a relatively young group of players, who will be competing against some of the state’s stronger teams in what is becoming a very competitive South-West Conference.

Of course, with a young team, there is always the fear of the unknown, which Quinn now faces. But unknowns can sometimes turn out to be pleasant surprises, and what were once considered unknowns can quickly turn into well-knowns. And while no one wants to say it, Newtown could very well be on to something special.

“We’re hoping for positives. Time will tell,” said Quinn, who lost four seniors, including all-league performer Courtney Steele, from last year’s 11-11 team.

This winter, it all starts with 6-2 senior guard John Fiscella, who returns after a strong season a year ago where he was arguably the team’s best player. Fiscella averaged 16.8 points per game and was selected to the all-division team. To date, he has scored 548 career points and ranks in the top 20 on the all-time list. Fiscella is not the league’s quickest player, but he can shoot, play defense, pass and rebound.

“John’s a great scorer and he’ll be a three-year starter. John is all about winning and the team. He’s just a classy kid,” Quinn said.

Senior point guard Andrew Smith is expected to turn some heads on the basketball court this year, just as he did on the soccer field in the fall where he was selected to the all-state team. A steady ballhandler with a knack for driving straight down the middle of the key, the 6-0 Smith is sure to play a huge role this season.

“And he’s a great defender,” Quinn said. “Andrew is probably our second best rebounder right now. I think he’s going to have a great season, surprise a lot of people and make us a lot better than we were last year.”

The remainder of the starting lineup is made up of juniors Josh Dittmar 6-1, Ryan Walker and John Wesley.

The 6-1 Dittmar came on the scene with a flurry a year ago as his high-intensity play helped the Nighthawks win eight of their last 10 games and qualify for the SWC playoff. The swingman averaged eight points a game as Newtown’s sixth man.

“He had a strong finish for us a year ago and he worked real hard during the summer to refine his game,” Quinn noted.

With 6-2 Ryan Walker, the word is most have still not seen what this young man is capable of. The junior saw spot duty a year ago and filled in admirably. Given a larger role this year, Quinn expects Walker to show off his solid inside game.

“He’s our best defender. He can guard the one, the three or the five. He’s got real good instincts, which I really like. He can play outside and inside,” Quinn said.

Wesley returns at the center post where he started a year ago. With the 6-4 Wesley, Quinn gets a consistent performer who will play tough D down low while providing a solid 10-14 points per night. He scored 10 points a game a year ago.

“Solid and reliable,” Quinn said of his big man. “He’ll play a bigger role for us and will obviously have to score more for us in the absence of Steele.”

Senior Jeff Walcott will tri-captain this team along with Fiscella and Smith. Walcott, at 6-3, is a proven force, who possesses a soft jump shot. After spot duty a year ago, the senior is expected to take on a larger role coming off the bench.

Two other seniors looking to make a difference this year are 6-0 Grant Putnam and 5-10 Torrance Lamb. Putnam was injured a year ago and lamb is looking to make the transition for the junior varsity level. Both should get their chances this season and as Quinn well knows, senior leadership is required throughout the season. All five seniors will surely be relied on at various points in the season. Whether it’s a basket here or a steal there, look for Putnam and Lamb to make their mark.

This year’s back up point guard role will go to 5-10 junior Dan Murphy, who was a standout last year for Jason Arnauckas’ junior varsity team. Don’t be surprised to see Murphy and Smith on the floor at the same time this season. With Murphy in the game, Smith will simply move to the shoooting guard position. However, a back injury may sideline Murphy for the first six weeks.

Quinn also loses junior Colin Armstrong, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Mark DeFeo, a 6-4 junior forward, may be the biggest surprise this season for Quinn, who points out that the junior forward has been one of the best players in the gym during the first week of practice.

“Mark has a very good chance to be the first kid off the bench for us,” Quinn said.

If DeFeo is not the biggest surprise this year then that distinction goes to 5-10 freshman Andrew Fiscella, who may be the most talented freshman ballplayer to walk the halls of NHS since Steve Kordish. Certainly that is not to take anything away from the Randy Gunthers, Andrew Gellerts and Greg Gallaghers of the world.

This kid can flat out play.

“He’s just a real good basketball player. He can shoot, defend and he’s smart,” Quinn said. “I thought he would eventually make minor contributions to the varsity team this year, but it looks like it will be sooner rather than later.”

Also on the varsity roster is 6-0 sophomore Mike Troy, an athletic kid who may see time at the point guard spot early on in the absence of Murphy.

Newtown opens the season December 12 at Brookfield in a non-conference game. It then hosts Warren Harding of Bridgeport in a non-league matchup December 16. Harding is considered to be among the top teams in the state this year.

“I really like these kids. They’re committed and focused. We’re trying to build from year-to-year,” he said.

Schedule

December 14th,at Brookfield, 7 pm; 16th, versus Warren Harding, 7 pm; 19th, at Immaculate, 7 pm; 22nd, at Kolbe Cathedral; 27th, versus Staples; 29th, versus Ancestors School.

January 3rd, versus Pomperaug, 7 pm; 5th, versus Stratford, 7 pm; 9th, at New Fairfield, 7 pm; 12th, at Notre Dame, 7 pm; 16th, versus New Milford, 7 pm; 19th, at Masuk, 7 pm; 23rd, versus Brookfield, 7 pm; 26th, versus Immaculate, 7 pm; 30th, at Bunnell, 7 pm.

February 6th, versus Bethel, 7 pm; 9th, at Jonathan Law, 7 pm; 13th, at Joel Barlow, 7 pm; 16th, versus Weston, 7 pm; 21st, versus Foran, 7 pm.

The SWC_quarter-finals will be held Saturday, February 24, at Bunnell. The SWC_semi-finals will be held Tuesday, February 27, at Masuk. And the SWC_finals will be held Friday, March 2, at Masuk.