For the week of Nov 27 - Dec 3, 2002

Speed thrills

Cat-quick Cutthroats ready to cut loose

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By JODY ZARKOS
Express Staff Writer

In his 20^th year as head coach of The Community School boys’ basketball team, Mike Wade sounds like a kid with a new toy.

At the root of his glee? A team which goes really, really fast.

"This is maybe the fastest team I have ever had. We have good speed," Wade said. "This is one of those rare times I get to coach kids in a faster game and I am not going to miss the chance. I think it will be more fun for the kids and for me."

Speed can kill on a court. It allows a team to press and wear down its opponent on defense, and ideally creates more turnovers sparking a transition offense.

Last year’s squad went 11-11 and finished third in the Northside Conference tournament after losing to Dietrich 77-73 in triple overtime. The 2001-02 Cutthroats, paced by high scorer Adrian Charbonnet (13.1 ppg.) averaged 53.9 points offensively and surrendered 54.0 defensively.

"I think overall we will have a stronger team this year," Wade remarked. "We have some experienced and motivated players who are returning and some new players who are going to help us."

The team captain is 6-1 senior wing/post Ethan Weston who averaged 5.8 points per game last season and earned Honorable Mention for the Northside All-Conference team.

6-foot wing Bret Watson is another returning player, who is coming off a terrific soccer season.

"Bret is a good all-around player who is really motivated," Wade assessed.

Also penciled in at wing is Josh Sonneland. At 5-11 Sonneland is new to the game, but is an excellent athlete with "good instincts about floor position."

5-8 senior Drew Detwiler will handle the team from the point.

"Drew has good hands and good court vision," Wade said. "He is also a terrific defensive player and a leader."

Rounding out the senior class is 6-foot Juan Munoz of Ecuador.

Wade has six experienced juniors, including returning varsity players John Hayes, Jimmy Fairchild and Luc McCann.

Fairchild will be the team’s Shaq this season. At 6-4 he is the tallest player on the squad, and Wade said he is "very quick for a big guy."

"He is very strong for a post player and he is going to be a force for us there," Wade added.

Hayes is a 5-11 guard with slick ball handling skills "a really strong offensive threat," according to Wade.

McCann is a 6-foot wing, who is a hard worker.

"He will give good relief to the other players. Luc can come in and keep our game up," Wade said.

Wade expects 6-1 Dylan McIllhenney to be able to fill in for Fairchild in the post and also play wing.

"Dylan is just a really solid all-around player," he said.

Also making the move up to varsity are 5-10 wing Logan Koffler and 5-11 John Goldberg.

"Logan is a good ball handler and shooter. John is a strong and physical guy who is an excellent jumper," Wade remarked.

Wade assessed his team’s potential with unbridled optimism.

"We have excellent team chemistry and really outstanding senior leadership. All the kids are working hard to try and make something special out of this season. They are really excited about it and it shows in practice."

Wade said the team’s goal is to finish in the top three at the district tournament to have a shot at qualifying for state.

Jim Carkonen is head coach of the junior varsity squad. Players include Finn Brown, Andrew Durtschi, AJ Beesley, Connor Wade, Ben Larroquette, Hunter Smith, Kyle Koski, Audie McCann and Tyler Jackson.

As always, Bob Doyle will rival the Elias Sports Bureau as team statistician.

 

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