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By Ron P. Coderre
The Marianapolis Golden Knights coming off a season where they closed out the year with a loss in the quarterfinals of the NEPSAC Class AA Tournament, are looking forward to 2013-2014 hoping to improve on last season. Andrew Vitale last season’s NEPSAC Class AA Coach of the Year has to figure out a way to fill the shoes of Mike Mallory and Greg Senat, gone from last season’s team and playing at Southern Connecticut State University and Wagner College respectively.
Three players are back from last season’s squad but Vitale has done a great job in bringing in six players as the Golden Knights attempt to reload. Although the staff is evaluating the players, it appears there will be plenty of competition for playing time.
Beginning with the point guard spot the Knights are looking at 6-foot senior Eric Murdock Jr. from Bridgewater, N.J., and another senior Ryan Bernstein, from New York City. Murdock, the son of former National Basketball Association and Providence College guard Eric Murdock Sr., is still maturing physically but has demonstrated some long range shooting skills. The slightly built Bernstein is a tough competitor who can also shoot.
Off the ball the Golden Knights will look to 6-foot senior Travis Descoteaux from Manchester, NH, who is capable of shooting off the catch and moves well without the ball. Syracuse native Chiamaka Browne, who scales in at 6-foot, 3-inches is another intriguing prospect on the wing. Browne is a solid defender, who has shown glimpses of brilliance on offense.
The team also features three players with size who can play the front court as well as the backcourt. Sophomore Eric D’Aguanno at 6-4 can shoot from long range and should provide rebounding strength. Joining him is another 6-4 performer senior Devin Springfield from Jaffrey, N.H. He’s a lefthander who can also fill the net. Isiah King, a 6-5 senior from Carmichael, Calif., a three-point threat, adds versatility to the swing position.
The two players who give the Golden Knights some height up front or in the middle are returnee Bobby Ahearn from Marshfield, Mass., and newcomer Eric Long a 6-6 senior from Bronx, N.Y. The 6-6 Ahearn, who’s committed to Division I Binghamton University, has the tools to be the leader of the team. He’s rugged, plays with intensity and can shoot. Long looks like a good pick up for Vitale and should help with his strong inside game.
Vitale has once again secured a highly competitive schedule for his charges.
The Knights will make appearances in the Hoop Mountain Prep Classic, the BABC Prep Classic in Boston and the National Prep School Invitational. The schedule also includes powerhouse prep contingents Notre Dame Prep, Mount Zion, New Hampton Prep, Northfield-Mt. Hermon and South Kent School.
The road to success in Class AA is paved with potholes and IED’s but the Golden Knights have the latent talent to surprise their opponents.
The competition for playing time has started in the school’s newly refurbished gymnasium.
Though it’s difficult at this juncture to say if Vitale’s team is loaded with talent, the competition for playing time will certainly bring out the best in everyone and eventually prove to be the formula for success.
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