LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield boys basketball team is facing a changing of the guard this upcoming season.
The Pioneers graduated nine seniors from last year’s team, including Cape Ann League all-stars and Michael Carangelo and Louis Ellis, who were dominant forces in the paint, and in the case of Ellis, a 3-point threat.
With only six players returning from last year’s squad, the Pioneers lack height and experience and have many vacancies to fill, a couple of which coach Scott MacKenzie believes may never be filled.
“Losing nine seniors from any team leaves an incredibly big void,” MacKenzie said. “In terms of Louis and Mike, you’re talking about two of the best players in the league last year and players who meant a heck of a lot to the program both on and off the court. I know it sounds cliche but, nobody is going to fill their shoes. We are going to be a small and inexperienced team following a few years of being big.”
MacKenzie is looking to his captains to lead the way.
“Our team strength is the experience of our captains, Billy Arseneault, Dan Jameson and Zach Shone,” he said. “These guys have been with me for three years and they know what the expectations are. I’ll be be relying on them to help the new guys along.”
Arseneault, the reigning CAL Kinney Division Player of the Year, returns as point guard, while Jameson and Shone will give the Pioneers presence in the paint.
Seniors Matt Mortellite, Jason Ndansi and Owen Colbert are also returning.
Seven players are new to varsity this year, including juniors, Jack Cleary and Steven Dwyer, sophomores Clayton Marengi, Max Boustris, Khad Connell and Tony Hunt, and freshman Jack Ford.
MacKenzie said the biggest challenge this season is bringing the younger players up to speed.
“With young and inexperienced players, we have no idea how to practice or the urgency it requires to get after it on a daily basis,” MacKenzie said.
MacKenzie added that he has been amazed at how much length and size the team lost.
“This is the smallest we have ever been, so we have to find a way to be successful with what you have as you have no control over it.”
MacKenzie expects the team to play more zone this year and he would not be surprised if other teams zone up against the Pioneers.
“When you have a 5’7 guard matching up against a 6’5 post guy, we just couldn’t match up,” MacKenzie said. “Offensively, we are taking plays out of the play book, for example, you can’t run action inside when you are giving up that much size. I think we are going to get zoned a lot to take the junk that Billy creates away and I think we will not win games if we don’t shoot well collectively as a group. My biggest worry is we are not going to shoot the ball well this year.”
The Pioneers open the season Dec.12 against Danvers.
