The Visor

Synergy looking to carry boys basketball through a tough schedule

Last 5 stories in Winter Sports Issue

Girls basketball to overcome team's small size with big play - December 1, 2009
Dance team gears up for basketball season halftime performances - December 1, 2009
Cheerleaders switch gears from football to basketball for winter - December 1, 2009
The woman behind the gyms: Cathy Lancianese - November 30, 2009
Student trainers ready to protect winter sports - November 30, 2009

Other stories that might interest you...

December 1, 2009

Peter DelMedico

Boys basketball has become one of Hoban’s truest traditions. Going 14 consecutive years with a winning record etched the Knights as a force to be reckoned with in northeast Ohio. However, after a 10-11 record last season their juggernaut status lost a little muscle.

“We have plenty of room for improvement this season,” head coach T.K. Griffith said.

Last season, in spite of the losing record, the boys were NCL champions with an 8-5 league record. Major wins over league rivals like Lake Catholic, Holy Name and NDCL secured the title. Matt Seikel and Greg McMullen received First Team All-NCL honors. A.J. Pero and Adam Zsely followed with Second Team All-NCL honors. Pero, Zsely and McMullen all return this year and will be key factors to the team’s success.

When comparing this team to last season’s, the difference is experience. The majority of the team has already received their baptism by fire with solid playing time throughout the past season.

“Though still young, the team has a lot more experience,” Griffith said. “Almost all of them know the stress and pressure of a varsity basketball game.”
To make up for falling short last season, their schedule is the hardest the team has seen in years. Teams like Walsh, St. Peter Chanel, Kenmore, Cleveland Central Catholic and St. Vincent- St. Mary will attempt to interrupt the Knight’s domain at Barry Gymnasium.

“We have the talent to play with any team,” senior captain Pero said.

The depth of the squad is possibly the greatest weapon in their arsenal.

“We have 12-13 guys who are ready to play at all times,” senior captain Zsely said.

“We’ll be able to rotate at will without missing a beat or dropping the talent level,” junior guard Trevor Oldham said.

The younger players of the team will consist of sophomore posts McMullen and LaTroy Lewis as well as sophomore guards Sean Robbins and Michael Reeves. Several veteran juniors like Trevor Oldham, Nate Greczanik and Evan Luse will also bring an edge to the team. Seniors Zsely, Pero and Norm Jesser lead the crusade.

“We need to develop a greater team chemistry and while we are at it learn our 60 offensive plays,” Pero said.

Sophomore center McMullen will not be healthy until around the first game due to a wrist injury. The 6’5’’ tower of power is expected to be a stronghold to the team’s success.

Another player to watch is senior guard Adam Zsely. He has proven himself to be a reliable talent. Pero is also expected to “make it rain” this season with his lights-out shooting ability.

A team motto commonly used on and off the court is stick-to-itiveness. Zsely describes it as, “Sticking with every challenge, no matter how hard it gets.”

With the boy’s brutal schedule, stick-to-itiveness will be essential to securing the tradition of Hoban basketball.

The boys begin their campaign on Tuesday, Dec. 8 against Padua Franciscan; then, only three days later clash with the Irish of St. Vincent-St. Mary.

Tags: