Duplicating last year’s unde-feated Suburban Council record and Section II playoff run might be difficult for the Guilderland boys basketball team.
The Dutchmen graduated two starters, and a third player decided not to return, which leaves head coach Ron Osinski with some holes to fill.
We’ve got some veterans who contributed for us last year, and we’ve got some new guys who look promising, said Osinski. `We’ve got a lot of newcomers that we’re trying to get them caught up with the veterans.`
Forward Jon Terry and guards Kevin Koss and Chris Mannarino head up the list of veterans on Guilderland’s roster this season.
`They’re (in) key positions, so having those three back gives us three key contributors,` said Osinski. `Jon (Terry) and Kevin (Koss) now graduate to being the focal point of the team, which may not be something that they’ve had to be in the past.`
Joining Terry in the frontcourt is senior forward Andre Brown, who last played basketball two years ago at Bishop Maginn.
`He’s got some size, and he can rebound the ball well,` said Osinski. `He knows how to play the game.`
The rest of the roster includes veterans Pat Quinn and Isaiah Fulds, along with newcomers Josh Murray, Andrew Brown, Ryan Ochs, Anthony Gallo, Nate Sentz and Michael Drislane.
`I’d like the others to step up so that Jon and Kevin don’t have to do more than they’re used to doing for us,` said Osinski.
Guilderland will be tested in the realigned Suburban Council. The Dutchmen are in the South Division with Colonie, Bethlehem, Mohonasen, Averill Park and Columbia.
`With what Colonie has coming back, they should be the favorite in our division,` said Osinski.
Guilderland begins its season Tuesday, Nov. 25, when it hosts Catholic Central in a non-league game.“