By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Nick Marcini

14th year

173-122 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Bruce Thomas, assistant; Phil Starks, JV; Tyler Shank, freshmen; Ron Estes, freshman assistant.

   • 2022-23 Record: 8-16 overall; 7-7 Metro Athletic Conference.

   • Returning Lettermen (5): Michael Berry, sr.; Jack Batten, jr.; Jackson Gula, jr.; Charles Ivory, jr.; Trevor Murray, jr.

   • Lettermen Lost (6): Colby Benjamin, Brevyn Nobles, Bryan Nobles, Micah Schuster, Joey Hoffman, Dakari Reese.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Like most teams, health becomes a huge priority for Marcini and his Rockets. Another area of emphasis, though, is rebounding the basketball.

Offensively, the Rockets have a desire to play fast, but if they are slowed into a half court set, the team will run an open-post inspired offense.

GUARDS

Two All-Metro Athletic Conference players return to highlight the Rockets’ backcourt.

Batten was Second Team All-MAC last year, when he averaged 10.9 points per game and buried 63 3-pointers.

“He can really shoot the ball. He has improved his all-around game and will score at all three levels. Also, he is a very gritty defender.”

Ivory was Honorable Mention All-MAC last year. He averaged 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

“Charles will be our point guard. He is a very good all-around player and is our best defender.”

Murray is another long-distance shooting phenom. Last season, he connected on 43 percent of his 3-point attempts.

“He made the most of his opportunities last year and had a great offensive season. We are excited to see him compete this year.”

Additional depth will be provided by senior Jashaun Lawrence, junior Curtis Cook, along with sophomores Ethan Laryea, Javelin Johnson and Braden Hodge.

FORWARDS

Gula was named Honorable Mention All-MAC a year ago. He averaged 8.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and is arguably the program’s hardest-working player.

“He brings that toughness every day to the gym. He plays much bigger than his height (6-foot-1). He is another very good all-around player that has the ability to score at all three levels.”

Berry has greatly improved his game from last season after coming on strong toward the end of 2022-23, according to Marcini.

“He had a great off-season, and he is a player that can do a little bit of everything for use, including playing some guard.”

Competing for time are senior Mehki Sims, junior Preston Laryea and sophomores Janiere Cook and Ryan Roscoe.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ethan Laryea, soph.; Javelin Johnson, soph.; Janiere Cook, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“As always, size and depth.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Woodridge brings back the co-Player of the Year from a co-championship team. Norton has everyone back from last year, as does Cloverleaf. Hopefully, we can hang around and be in the conversation at the end.”