Hawks hoops squad has ability to put up big numbers
Stevens boys return many from last year's team
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
With last season's strong finish with an appearance in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinals fresh in its mind, the J.P. Stevens High School boys basketball team is anxiously awaiting the new season.

"For the first time since I've been here, we have three or four guys who can put up some serious scoring numbers," Stevens head coach James Cardillo said. "That's very important at the high school level. This year we're deep and very athletic, and that will allow us to do a number of things like trap, press and run up and down the floor."

With role player Mike Rivers the only player gone from last year's lineup, the Hawks have high hopes of competing for the top spot in the GMC Red Division.

Senior captain Alex Cacoilo heads the list of returning starters at point guard. A starter since his sophomore season, Cacoilo could be ready for a breakout season.

"He's really matured," Cardillo said. "When he plays well, we are very good. He's going to be a real key to our team's success."

Joining Cacoilo in the Stevens backcourt is junior Nick Pol. Pol used the offseason to bulk up, and his added strength has paid dividends.

"Nick has come around offensively," Cardillo said. "You can tell that his physical strength has helped his game develop. Now he can use the dribble to get to the rim, or he can knock down the outside shot off the dribble."

At small forward, Myles Reuben returns for his junior season after a strong sophomore campaign.

"Myles is a very nice perimeter player that can score and rebound," Cardillo said. "When he goes well, we'll play well."

Also expected to fill his starting role from a year ago is junior Kenny Bland. A 6-foot-3 forward, Bland brings plenty of athleticism to the Stevens court.

"He has all the tools," Cardillo said. "If he can just put it all together, he will be a very special player. He should be one of the best players in the county as long as his mentality continues to develop. He's so good that he sometimes settles to be OK."

The fifth spot is still up for grabs, with the trio of Thair Swinton, Matt Margon and Darnell Sorrell all battling for the starting job.

"Thair took last season off to straighten himself out academically," Cardillo said. "Having him back on the floor should be a real asset for us. He's a tremendous passer in transition, and he finds guys in ways other guys can't. Once he gets acclimated to varsity ball again, he should be a nice weapon."

Margon did start some games last season and brings a tough, hard-nosed approach to the game.

"He plays incredibly hard every minute," Cardillo said. "He's great to have off the bench because he always gives us a spark when we need it."

Like Swinton, Sorrell is back after a oneyear hiatus from the court. At 6 foot 3, Sorrell could see time at center this season.

"Darnell rebounds and finishes very well," Cardillo said. "He can give us a lift by getting us those second-chance points that can deflate an opponent." The Stevens bench will also include seniors Jayhere Bryant, Conner Medler and Teryl Dunlap.

"Each guy brings something different to the team," Cardillo said. "Teryl is a slasher, Conner is a shooter, and Jayhere is a sparkplug. Jayhere plays hard and defends well, and Conner should see action against the zone."

The Hawks open the season on the road against Perth Amboy Dec. 14 before St. Joe's pays a visit Dec. 20 for the team's home opener.

"Perth Amboy beat us twice last year, so the guys are looking forward to the season opener," Cardillo said. "It isn't about revenge but about the opportunity to come out strong and begin the season on the right foot."