By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Nick Marcini

14th year

188-132 career record

THE TEAM

League: Metro Athletic Conference.

Coaching Staff: Bruce Thomas, Phil Starks, Tyler Shank, Stephen Laird, Ron Estes.

2023-24 Record: 15-10 overall; 10-3 MAC.

Returning Lettermen (6): Jack Batten, sr.; Charles Ivory, sr.; Jackson Gula, sr.; Trevor Murray, sr.; Preston Laryea, sr.; Ethan Laryea, jr.

Lettermen Lost (4): Michael Berry, Jashaun Lawrence, Carter Baab, Mehki Sims.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Rockets return a lot of talent from a team that placed second overall in the Metro Athletic Conference last year. The group, which includes six returning lettermen and five of those being seniors this year, also won a sectional championship.

Regardless of how much talent or experience a team returns, though, two key principles are at the top of veteran coach Nick Marcini’s list.

“We have to stay healthy and we have to rebound the ball,” he said.

Offensively, the team will have the ability to start their offense from their defense.

“We want to play uptempo. We want to use our athleticism to get out and go in transition.”

If they are pinned into the halfcourt, the Rockets’ primary action will be through the open post.

GUARDS

Charles Ivory, already a two-year letterman, returns after averaging 10.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game last year.

The numbers prove his versatility and his postseason honors validated them, too, as an All-MAC and All-District player.

“He is an excellent all-around player. He can get to the bucket, knock down the outside shot and pull up and hit the mid-range. He is also one of the best defenders I have ever coached.”

Batten is another plus-shooter and another three-year starter returning to the lineup. He averaged 10.7 points per game and set a new school record for made 3-pointers with 124 and also was named All-MAC and All-District.

“He can flat out shoot the ball and has really improved his all-around game. He is a very scrappy and capable defender.”

Murray is a returning starter and does all the little things, according to Marcini.

“He gets on the floor for loose balls, takes charges and when a shot goes up, he is into someone. He has proven he can knock down the big shot when it counts.”

Ethan Laryea earned a letter last year and will help be a backup point guard, but has the versatility to do many things on the court, including guard any position.

Senior Curtis Cook, juniors Braden Hodge and Manny Gibson, along with sophomore PJ Robinson will all be battling for minutes, as well.

FORWARDS

Gula gives the team a third player returning who averaged double-digits last year. His averages included 10.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game to earn All-MAC and All-District recognition.

He is also a third player who will be a three-year starter.

“He is strong, though and a hard working defender. Jackson is a great athlete who plays much bigger than he is. He is a very good all-around player who can score inside and out for us.”

Preston Laryea played a contributing role off the bench last season. He is long and athletic.

“He is a very versatile defender for us. He will be pushing to be a starter for us when we use bigger lineups.”

Senior Miles Kobie, and juniors Janierre Cook, Ryan Roscoe and Chris Grabill, add depth and will push for minutes.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

PJ Robinson, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our size and health.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Norton are the champs until someone knocks them off. Coventry will be good. Woodridge has a lot of talent back. Cloverleaf has good guard play returning. Field also has a lot of returners. Hopefully, we can be in the mix at the end. It should be a fun and competitive year.”