Boys Basketball Preview 2018-19

Senior+Captain+Mike+Doherty+takes+on+a+Groton-Dunstable+defender.

Jeff Porter, Wicked Local

Senior Captain Mike Doherty takes on a Groton-Dunstable defender.

Domenic Casparriello '19 and Eric Gould '19, Sports Editors

With the winter season coming up, along comes yet another Rangers basketball season. Coming off a 14-10 season last year, this Rangers team is feeling confident going into the 2018-2019 season.

The Rangers only had a few senior departures this summer, however they will retain their entire starting lineup from last season, a huge moral victory regarding the team’s’ chemistry. The Rangers will be led by senior captains Jake Hughes, Mike Doherty, and Matt Doherty. Other seniors Domenic Casparriello and Jack Lentine will be rounding out the starting lineup.

 

Despite these familiar faces, the Rangers will have to rely on much of their bench for supporting minutes this season. A crucial player who will play tons of minutes this season is senior and bruiser Quinn Donovan, a returning player from last season. Additionally, juniors Alex Badger, Luke Lentine and Jackson Katz figure to make their mark on the team this season.

 

The Rangers have high expectations for themselves this year, as the starting lineup in this upcoming season have all played at a high level since their freshman year. It is no secret that this is the year the Rangers have been waiting for, the year where these 2019 seniors can lead the program and take things to the next level.

 

To motivate the younger players, all the seniors are working them hard at open gym sessions of pickup ball that have taken place throughout the preseason. From senior Matt Doherty, the message is always the same.

 

“We can be whatever team we want to be, but it’s up to us to decide.

— Matt Doherty

 

One area this Rangers team will have to make up for is their size. Getting out rebounded was a common theme in the 2017-2018 season. The Rangers look to improve this aspect of their game throughout the season. Center Jack Lentine will have to be a force down low for this team to have success, however the rebounding duties should fall on everyone, even the guards.

 

When asked about his team’s deficiencies, Jake Hughes again harped on their lack of size.

 

“We lack height.” Hughes said. “Our only true big man is Jack Lentine, but we can’t put all that pressure on him to rebound. Everyone’s gonna need to box out if we want to get boards.”

The schedule for the 2019 season is finally out, and the Rangers stack up against many of the same opponents as they return to Division II of the Midland Wachusett League. They open up at home on December 12 versus Grafton. The rest of the schedule is posted below.

 

December 12: Grafton

December 14: Fitchburg

December 18: @Leominster

December 21: @Milford

December 28: @Hopkinton

January 2: North Andover

January 4: @Marlborough

January 8: Nashoba

January 11: @Algonquin

January 15: Groton

January 17: Needham

January 22: Shepherd Hill

January 25: @Fitchburg

January 29: Marlborough

February 1: @Nashoba

February 5: @Wachusett

February 8: @Groton

February 12: Shrewsbury

February 14: @Assabet