LYNN — Lynn Classical’s boys basketball team is gearing up for another season under head coach Marvin Avery. Last season, his Rams went 17-5 and reached the Round of 16 of the Division 3 state tournament before meeting elimination against St. Mary’s.
This year, the boys in green and gold look to start strong when they host Revere Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
“We had over 95 kids try out and we made the best selections and decisions between myself, my staff, and my athletic director (Josh Mower),” Avery said. “We’re always going to have a real successful basketball team over here at Lynn Classical.”
The Rams return the majority of players from last year’s 17-win team, but will be without Rolky Brea Arias, who transferred to St. Mary’s and was arguably Classical’s top player last season. He averaged 22 points and 12 rebounds per game last season.
“We wish Rolky the best of luck at St. Mary’s, but it’s the next man up and we have guys willing to fill his shoes,” Avery said. “These kids have been with me since they were 13- or 14-year-old freshmen. We have much more experience and are very talented and athletic. They’re leaders on the court, so I don’t really have to direct them much. They’ve been in the system long enough.”
Key returners for Classical include Deshawn Rucker, Kameron Rucker, DJ Reynolds, and Shyheim Babb.
Avery spoke highly of Babb, who he believes can be one of the top players in the region. The senior averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks per game as a junior.
“He’s 6-foot-5 and very athletic. He can handle the ball. He can block shots. He’s definitely going to have a tremendous senior year,” Avery said. “He’s one of our go-to guys and we’re going to look for him to produce. He’s very fortunate to have some veteran players around him. He’s going to be one of the top players in the area.”
The Rams have a few preseason games to prepare for their home-opener. In those matchups, Avery said he’s looking for his team to push the offense, apply pressure, and force turnovers.
“I’m looking to see our guys do what we do best: uptempo offense. If you beat us 90 feet around the basket playing solid man-to-man defense — pressing the whole game — you deserve to win the ballgame,” he said. “We’re very skilled and talented, and we can up the pressure on defense. We’re going to be ready to go on Dec. 16.”
