By Lorenzo Recupero
Just two years removed from playing in the Division 1 State Championship, and with another coach at the helm, Crimson Tide boys basketball is still competing at a high level.
Last year, Stanley Chamblain’s first as head coach, the Tide were able to lockup a playoff spot while snagging 14 Ws.
They didn’t make it to the biggest game of the year, but the team competed well enough to keep Everett’s playoff appearance streak alive at 6 consecutive and did it with a team comprised mostly of sophomores.
In their first official action this season, a scrimmage Monday against a tough Lowell High School team, coach Chamblain saw encouraging signs from a young team still developing its identity.
“We lost our scrimmage to Lowell, but our biggest positive from that game is how we showed our energy. We have a lot of kids who can play basketball on this team and they play it with a lot of energy,” said Chamblain.
“Even when Lowell made runs, we came back and executed and defended well,” he said of his underclassman-led squad, who get an early test in the season opener against Catholic Memorial.
“Catholic Memorial is one of the leading teams in Eastern Mass and led by one of the best coaches,” said Chamblain of his matchup with C-C at home on Friday. “I’m excited that we have a lot of guys returning, now we can build on the previous year,” he said.
2019-2020 Crimson Tide
Head coach: Stanley Chamblain (2nd year)
Overall coaching record : 14-7 (includes postseason)
Record last year: 14-7 (eliminated in Division 1 North First Round)
Returning starters: Paulo Rodrigues, junior, guard; Omar Quilter, junior, guard; John Monexant, sophomore, guard.
Returning letterman: Kevin Ariste, junior, forward; Roby Dormevil, sophomore, forward.
Strengths: depth
Concerns: inexperience
Key to the season: leadership
Season opener: Friday, December 13 vs. Catholic Memorial @ Everett High School (7PM tipoff)