E. Brunswick boys will rely upon many young players
Hoops team coming off 4-17 campaign
BY JIMMY ALLINDER Correspondent
Thankfully, the East Brunswick boys basketball team can wipe the slate clean as it begins a new season following an uncharacteristic 4-17 record a year ago. The optimism is due, in part, to an infusion of young talent from a freshman team, which finished 21-3, and a junior varsity, which capped the season with a 16-7 record.

However, until the new mix comes together and develops its own brand of chemistry, coach Bo Henning calls his Bears "an unknown."

"Everything seemed to go wrong last year," said Henning, entering his 21st season at the helm. "We had some players suspended and others injured. If something could go wrong, it did. We're hoping that's behind us and we play better. But that remains to be seen."

One reason for Henning's hesitancy is the well-known fact the Bears play in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division, which features traditional powerhouses such as St. Joseph of Metuchen, Piscataway and South Brunswick. The other is the fact that finding the right combination to fit into East Brunswick's aggressive running style will be a process — right up until the Bears tip off for their opener, Dec. 19, at Edison.

"Our objectives, like always," says Henning, "are to challenge for the division and conference titles, as well as qualify for the state playoffs. I can tell you that this group brings little things to the table but putting the right team on the floor will be our challenge."

Certain to see action are returning letter winners Alec Mayo (5-foot-8) point guard, Dustin Schuld (6-foot) and Kevin Johnson (5-foot-11), all seniors. Another senior, Mike Quindhal (6-foot-7), will be an important cog at center but will not return for a month because of a broken toe. Junior Mauro Tucci (5-foot-9) will also see plenty of action in the rotation.

However, because Henning is still searching for contributions from the younger players, he lists a large contingent hoping to make varsity. They include seniors Mike Riccio (5-foot-11), Kevin McHenry (5-foot-9), Dan Goffin (6-foot-2) and Nick Navara (5-foot-10), juniors Anthony Gudzak (5-foot-11), Kevin Lance (6- foot-1) and Mike Weber (5-foot-9), and sophomore Carl Thomore (6-foot).

Other newcomers include juniors Chris Villanueva (5-foot-10) and Miles Colmon (5-foot-10), sophomores Awab Habib (6- foot), John Jenco (5-foot-8) and Nick Gudzak (6-foot), and freshman Mike Summerer (6-foot-1).

"I think we'll be one of the most improved teams in the division," contends Henning, "but depending on the contributions from the newer players, we'll have to wait and see how our team performs."