By Lorenzo Recupero
Without an all-time leading point-getter or a bulky forward that could play point guard coming off the bench, the Crimson Tide are still scoring wins and finding new ways to be successful in a process new head coach Stanley Chamblain is reveling in.
“We don’t have a 2,000 point scorer, and we have a lot of work to do, but the growth in our younger players is remarkable,” said first-year head coach Stanley Chamblain, referring to the departure of Ghared Boyce from the championship team a season ago and the development of the young team he’s captaining now.
“The freshman have surprised me most with their contributions this season so far, including Ralph Enayo and John Monexant,” said Chamblain who is getting a team-high 11 points per game from Enayo.
The team is still senior anchored, with guys like Erick Thompson, who is also tied for the team lead in points, and Nate Mehu powering a very strong inside lineup for the Crimson Tide. But unlike in years past, it’s being propelled by the guys getting their first shots.
“A lot of these kids are young. We are playing freshman’s and sophomores,” said Chamblain, who has the Crimson sitting at 9-1 overall as of January 24 with the teams only loss coming to Brookline High School, which happens to be the best team in the state. “To be able to be at this record now, and see the growth game after game … thinking about what can happen is pretty exciting,” he said.
Sophomore guards Paulo Silva Rodrigues and Omar Quilter are perfect examples of the type season the Crimson are having. They both are getting their first real taste of full-time basketball for the team and both are running away with the job.
Rodriques leads the team in assist and Quilter is leading the team in steals.
“This year we get looks from different players on any given night,” said Chamblain. “We have games where just about everyone scores,” he said.
“Our identity right now is our effort,” said Chamblain of where his team stands midway through the season.
The Crimson will be on the home hardwood at Everett High School Friday at 7PM against Medford before taking a ride to Swampscott on January 29 for a 7PM tilt.