Eagles look to soar into playoffs again
Prior to last season, Edison boys hadn't made postseason since 2001
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After its first taste of state tournament basketball in six years, the Edison High School boys basketball team is anxious for a return trip this year. Edison will begin its quest for the state tournament when the new season tips off at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 when division rival Piscataway lands in the Eagles' nest.

"Getting back to the states is a goal we can definitely strive for," Edison head coach Charlie Mohr said. "It will be difficult playing the Red Division schedule because there are so many tough teams to play night in and night out."

Unfortunately, the Eagles will begin the season without the help of three, twoyear starters. Mike Campbell, Terry Roland and Zach Manfre were all lost to graduation, with Campbell at Temple University on a football scholarship.

"Losing quality players like that is always tough," Mohr said. "We do have two returning starters and a number of guys with varsity experience we will be counting on right from the start."

Senior guard Barry Holmes returns to the floor after his success last season landed him on the second team All-Red Division team. Holmes averaged close to 15 points per game last year.

"Barry worked very hard over the summer to add a couple moves to his offensive repertoire," Mohr said. "We're seeing results already."

Also returning to the starting lineup is forward Nathan Otokiti. Otokiti averaged six points and four rebounds a year ago.

"He's just a tremendous athlete," Mohr said. "This year I'm hoping for 10 points and 10 rebounds a game from Nathan if not more. He's certainly capable of putting up numbers like that."

In the Edison backcourt, senior Frankie Perez and sophomore Derrick Murray are expected to see plenty of action at point guard.

"Frankie worked very hard in the offseason and he's in great shape," Mohr said. "He's a lot stronger than last year, and this should definitely help his game out. Derrick is new to varsity and I expect a major contribution from him."

A natural point guard, Murray has a sharp eye and impressive ball-handling skills on the open floor.

"He does a lot of things you can't teach," Mohr said. "He sees things on the floor before they develop because he has a tremendous feel for the game."

Seniors Ron Lordi and Quenta McDonald bring limited varsity experience to the team this year. Lordi will see time at forward and can provide a nice spark off the Eagle bench.

"I expect much more out of Ron this season," Mohr said. "Both he and Quenta can give us an offensive lift when we need it. Quenta can especially score in bunches once he gets hot."

Getting some minutes in the frontcourt this year will be center/forward Andy Hernandez. Like Lordi and Mc- Donald, Hernandez gained some varsity experience as a junior last year.

"Andy is one of the true leaders on this team," Mohr said. "The other players really listen to him and because of that, we will expect much more of him this season."

Also getting playing time in the frontcourt and providing some much-needed depth will be seniors Quinton Brown, Dakota Tipton and Michael Westbrooks. Junior Steve Nappe will bring nice size to the frontcourt with his 6-foot-5 frame, while classmate Steve Migliore will add depth to the Eagle backcourt as one of the team's best perimeter shooters.

"We should be very athletic this season," Mohr said. "Our nine seniors have played together since their freshman season, and they've come to the court this year completely focused. I've been very happy with the way we've practiced, and we're looking forward to starting the year off on the right foot."