Boys Basketball Mid-Season Report

To preview, I would like to say I am fully qualified to write this article. In 8th grade Rec-League basketball, I single handedly lead the Magic to an 0-8 record, while leading the team in turnovers and missed free throws. I also have bought every NBA 2K since 2013, so my basketball analysis is top notch. Without further ado, let's break this season down.

At this point, North Attleboro is 8-4, while being 5-3 in the league. Can't complain too much. Although the team has had a few games they wish they had back, the wins they've had are building blocks towards their No. 1 goal: playoffs. It's not outlandish to think North can make it into postseason, as fourth year head coach Sean Mulkerrins has improved his teams record over the past three seasons. By having many experienced players on the roster, the team has the formula to get to the promised land.

The rest of the Rocketeers’ schedule will be a tough one, with a game @ Mansfield this Friday, Milford at the Dunkin' Donuts Center on Sunday, and multiple league games remaining down the road . Yes, those are all very talented teams, but the Hockomock league has shown that any team can beat one another. This has cost North 4 tough losses (Franklin, Oliver Ames, Canton, and B.Feehan), but have earned them promising victories over Attleboro, Taunton, Stoughton,, and Foxboro.

As I had previously mentioned, the team has had some ups and downs. Let's dive a little deeper into that.

Positives

+ Scoring: Jonny Friberg and Brent Doherty have proven the most dynamic scorers, both being able to put up double figures on any night. QB #1 offers great shooting that allows the boys to spread the floor, with Kyle McCarthy having great offensive game overall. When the team shoots well, it's very hard to slow them down, especially with the amount of scoring options they have.

+ Defense: To hold your opponents to only 55.7 points per game is pretty impressive, especially with some of the talent they've played thus far. Friberg gives the team a legit big man capable of swatting a lot of stuff that comes his way, while Tom Reynolds and Moni Cuevas have proven very capable of locking down the post as well. Doherty, McCarthy, and Josh Montague create a lot of turnovers with their good overall defense along the perimeter, creating fast break opportunities.

Home Record: 4-0, baby. Pickering Gym offers a great atmosphere and an even better home court advantage. The combination of a solid student section and many loud parents offers something that no team in the Hock can match: Spirit.

Negatives

-Turnovers: On too many occasions have I been standing next to Dave Engler and heard the phrase “Oop, ‘nother turnover”. Even though this was more of an early-season problem, it's still something to worry about. Bad/unnecessary passing has given opponents plenty of points off turnover opportunities, one of quickest ways to knock North off their stride. Simply can't let that happen.

-Fouls: Man, it must be a tragedy to be a ref in charge of any North Attleboro game. I stand in the top row of the bleachers and can see AND hear the assault the Rocketeers put upon their opponents. Do I think it's totally bad? No, gotta rattle their change, exert their physical dominance, I get that and respect it. But I swear on my grandfather’s life, If I hear another player complain about an obvious call, I may just knock over the water cooler.

-Rebounding: This one may be surprising, especially because of the fact the team has a kid that's 6’6”. Here's the funny part: Jonny never jumps higher than a foot off the ground. Go ahead. Watch him next time he plays. Will this article make him jump higher? Hope so, because if Jon did jump a lil’ bit higher, he’d probably be getting 20 a game. Besides Friberg, the rest of the team isn't too aggressive down on the block. Yes, Reynolds and Moni hold their own, but they are usually a little bit smaller than opponents, giving North a big disadvantage on the glass.

Having broken all of that down, I've got some awards to hand out:

Leadership Award: Kyle McCarthy

*Jon Gruden voice*: “Man, Kyle McCarthy is tough as nails. The way he he plays basketball reminds me of good ole’ Larry Bird. He's smooth, talented, and he gets all the ladies. Wow, what a stud he is.” For real though, McCarthy has been a integral part of North’s success. He plays excellent defense and makes his shots when it really matters. The key part to Kyle is he doesn't stop. He could be 0-7 in shooting and still have play 100% and give the team all he's got. Great player, even better leader

Pizazz Award: Brent Doherty

The kid may be a 5’9” 18 year old, but he plays like an NBA All-Star. Doherty exudes confidence, and rightfully so. In MIAA basketball, there's probably a handful of kids who can stop 7 feet before the 3-point line, shoot it, and get nothing but net. Brent is one of those guys. 6’5” player in the paint? No problem. #11 will find a way to lay it in, regardless of the angle or hand in his face, then wind up getting the and-1. Top it all off with the fact he is a precise no-look passer, and you've got a NA basketball legend.

“His day will come” Award: Derek Shanks

I've had the privilege of living down the street from Derek for a while now, and I have seen him put up hundreds of shots on his street hoop. Talk about Ray Allen in his prime. Kid can hit just about anything. Now I obviously don't see him practice against others, but I bet he can hold his own. If I were a betting man, Derek will start next year, and he can easily get at least 12 points per game. Is he the next LeBron James? Doubt it. Does he look like he could play at Duke? I'd say no. But he could be the future of N.A Basketball.

Better Waterboy Award: Nate Gonsalves

Tightly contested race, but Nate gets the win. He has incredible delivery time and hasn't spilt a cup once. Bring that to the court and you have a budding star.

Most Valuable Player: Jonny Friberg

I spent many days and nights thinking of who to give this award to. I asked many of my peer, but in the end, Jonathan got the nod. Jonny started out freshman year as an incredibly overconfident, lanky kid in dire need of a haircut. Fast forward to Senior year, where Jonny can now dunk, score in the post, hIt the occasional three, and block almost anything. The growth of his game has also drawn the attention of the rest of the league, as he draws 2-3 defenders at a time, giving his teammates numerous open looks