Section V Boys’ Basketball tips off the 2021-22 season on November 26th. Here are the season previews for the Rochester City Athletic Conference:
DIVISION I
EAST HIGH EAGLES (Class A2)
Last season record and finish: 13-2, won Class A2 sectional title over Honeoye Falls-Lima
Coach: Darrell Barley (22nd season, 326-109 career record)
Top returners: Damani Barley Jr. G (19.1 PPG, 8 APG, 3 SPG last season); Shamir Caruthers Jr. G; Kenny Edwards Jr. G; Kai McCullough Jr. G (16 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 SPG last season)
Top newcomers: Sulayman Aden; Quinton Gordan-Smith; Zion Pardon
Outlook: “The Eagles play a difficult schedule which includes only six home games for the entire season.”
First game: December 7th at Franklin at 6:30 p.m.
EDISON TECH INVENTORS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 3-9, did not qualify for sectionals
Coach: Reggie Simmons (Ninth season overall, third season at Edison Tech, 107-60 career record)
Top returners: Marcqell Freeman So. G; Jabari Johnson Jr. G; Andy Larancuent Sr. G; Davijon Lipscomb So. G; Mike Morgan Sr. G
Top newcomers: Tyler Bethea Jr. G; Edmari Binion So. F/G; Jearney Higdon So. G; Brandon Latson Sr. G; Bryson Simpson Sr. C/F; Chris Taggart Jr. G; Noah White Sr. G; Zirell Williams Jr. C/F
Outlook: “The Inventors will run an up-tempo style offense this season. We will apply defensive pressure to force turnovers which leads to easy transition points. By utilizing a very deep bench, we will maximize player performance throughout the season.”
First game: November 26th vs. Green Tech (II) at Nottingham High School in Syracuse at 3 p.m.
FRANKLIN QUAKERS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 3-9, did not qualify for sectionals
Coach: Joseph Jackson, Jr. (20th season overall, Second Varsity season)
Top returners: Sha’mere Freeman Jr. SG (14 PPG, 6 APG last season); Tyre Jenkins Sr. G/F; Sincere Rivera Sr. F; Dayvion Scott Sr. PG (11 PPG last season); Chauncey White-Oliver Sr. G
Top newcomers: Shawn Goins So. G (21 PPG on Junior Varsity last season); Shedreeck Knight Sr. F; Tai’John Lewis So. G/F (17 PPG on Junior Varsity last season); Terence Thompson So. C/F
Outlook: “As we continue to rebuild, we feel like we are heading in the right direction. Freeman had a great summer and will help lead our team back to respectability. Terence Thompson will be a force in the middle. Our progress depends on how quick the sophomore class can adjust to the Varsity level of play. We have a tough schedule but we’re looking to make some noise this season.”
First game: December 3rd at Penfield at 7 p.m.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY LIONS (Class A1)
Last season record and finish: 8-4, lost in Class A1 sectional semifinals to Pittsford Mendon
Coach: William Broome (Third season, 26-11 career record)
Top returners: Shamirr Brooks Sr. G; Jose Melendez Sr. G
Top newcomers: Kenny Couser Sr. F; Jahmere Kirkland Sr. G; Dayveon Weems Sr. F
Outlook: “We are a team that will be looking to get better every game. We have a core group of seniors that will be new to playing Varsity this year. I believe we will be competitive and shock some people. I have a group of sophomores that will push our seniors and do some very good things. I am excited for the season. Any opportunity to see young men and women participate in something they love, which is “Basketball”, will always put a smile on my face. Go Lions.”
First game: December 3rd vs. NE Douglass at Eastridge High School at 5 p.m.
MCQUAID JESUIT KNIGHTS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 6-7, lost in Class AA sectional quarterfinals to Gates-Chili
Coach: Jack Leasure (Ninth season, 106-65 career record)
Top returners: Colin Bavibidila Sr. F/G (6.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.2 APG last season); Anthony DiMarco Jr. F/G (2 PPG, 1.3 RPG last season); Chris Woodard Jr. F/G (1.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG last season)
Top newcomers: Ian Florence Jr. G
Outlook: “The Knights will have many shoes to fill from a 2020 squad that graduated seven seniors. Colin Bavibidilia is the only returning starter and a captain and will be called upon to do a lot. Much of the first part of the season will be spent finding their identity, gaining experience and figuring out who will fill what roles.”
First game: December 6th at Webster Schroeder at 7:30 p.m.
DIVISION II
EARLY COLLEGE COBRAS (Class B2)
Last season record and finish: 0-11, did not qualify for sectionals
Coach: John Geglia (Ninth season, 81-110 career record)
Top returners: Myqyng Arline Jr. F; Jamezs Brown Sr. G; Jahan Richetts Sr. G; Jamari Williams Sr. F/G
Top newcomers: Quentin Majors-Brown Jr. F
Outlook: “The Cobras look to build upon the experience of last year’s abbreviated season. Jahan Richetts, Jamari Williams and Jamezs Brown figure to lead the way. The Cobras are also expecting contributions from Myqng Arline and Michael Stroughter in their second Varsity season. The Cobras’ ability to compete will hinge on their ability to mitigate a lack of size with offensive efficiency and defensive effort.”
First game: December 2nd at Vertus at 6:30 p.m.
MONROE RED JACKETS (Class A2)
Last season record and finish: 8-3, lost in Class A2 sectional quarterfinals to Honeoye Falls-Lima
Coach: Matthew McCormick (18th season overall, 16th Varsity season)
Top returners: Felton Gray Jr. F; Davion Jones Jr. G; Tyrece Stewart Sr. C
Top newcomers: Antonio Borrero Jr. G; Khalil Graham So. G; Jeremiah Kpor Sr. G; Fred Serrano Jr. G; Jaquan Shears Jr. F
Outlook: “Monroe returns no starters this year as the top six in minutes last year graduated. Juniors Davion Jones and Felton Gray return after having played Varsity as sophomores during the shortened 2021 season. Monroe will look to senior Jeremiah Kpor who is returning after a year absence from basketball, junior forward Jaquan Shears and senior forward Tyrece Stewart to log heavy minutes for the Red Jackets. Antonio Borrero, Fred Serrano and Khalil Graham will look to add depth. The Red Jackets open up against Class A powerhouse Eastridge High on December 3rd. Monroe will need to be resilient and continue to improve throughout the year.”
First game: December 3rd at Eastridge at 7:15 p.m.
NE DOUGLASS PANTHERS (Class B1)
Last season record and finish: 4-7, lost in Class B1 sectional quarterfinals to Batavia
Coach: Kyle Crandall (Ninth season, 98-66 career record)
Top returners: Chris James Sr. G (7.6 PPG, 4 RPG, 3.3 APG last season); Mark Mathis Sr. G; Kari Thomas Sr. F
Top newcomers: Asiatic Rahmaan Sr. G; Wilson Riaa Sr. F; Loren Thomas Jr. G; Akellis Wester Jr. G/F; Chrishton Wester So. G
Outlook: “NE Douglass graduated many key players from last year’s team. The Panthers have a mix of returning players and new players to the team. Keys to being successful in the RCAC Lower Division will be having each player accept their role and finding the team identity required to have all five players on the floor contributing. The Panthers will look to be a team that is built upon its defense and has a well-rounded and balanced offense.”
First game: December 3rd vs. Leadership Academy at Eastridge High School at 5 p.m.
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SILVERHAWKS (Class A2)
Last season record and finish: 8-4, lost in Class A2 sectional quarterfinals to Eastridge
Coach: Albert Nash (18th season, 197-143 career record)
Top returners: Keshaun Chatman Sr. F/G (10 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 SPG last season); Ishmael Gonzales Fr. G; Aness Jaff Jr. C/F; Tyree Moore Jr. F; Richie Nadal Sr. G (5 PPG, 2 SPG, 2 APG last season)
Top newcomers: Fred Bryant Sr. G; Ajai Goggins Jr. F/G; Sam Howland So. G
Outlook: “This will be a rebuilding season for the Silverhawks. They will be retuning one starter from last season. Coach Nash will be counting on his younger players to step up right away. Playing hard, team work, communication and trust on the floor will be the key to team success this season. With a competitive schedule, the Silverhawks hope to become a competitive team to make a run in Sectional play.”
First game: December 3rd at Le Roy at 7 p.m.
WILSON MAGNET WILDCATS (Class A2)
Last season record and finish: 0-9, did not qualify for sectionals
Coach: Victor L. Norflee II (First Varsity season)
Top returners: Zavarius Henry Sr. SG; Joshua Joyce Sr. PF; Khalil Lewis Sr. PG
Top newcomers: De’Siah White Fr. PG
Outlook: “The Wilson Magnet Wildcats will be led by a group of eight seniors who are all capable of earning a spot in the starting lineup, which should make practices very competitive. The team is very skilled at the guard position and will look to utilize our speed when possible. Our division is loaded with several teams that can compete for the top spot for sectionals. We are looking to play hard to be in the mix when the time comes.”
First game: December 10th at Pittsford Sutherland at 7:15 p.m.
WORLD OF INQUIRY GRIFFINS (Class B2)
Last season record and finish: 8-4, lost in Class B2 sectional semifinals to Northstar Christian
Coach: Willie Mason (Seventh season overall, first Varsity season)
Top returners: Rodney Nunnally, Jr. Sr. G
Top newcomers: Kenyon Concepcion So. G; Diego Martinez So. G
Outlook: “This is coach Mason’s first year at the helm. He will be taking over a program that graduated eight seniors last year. He has a promising future at World of Inquiry with his young roster.”
First game: December 4th at Geneseo at 1:30 p.m.
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