They have the skills, but Lake Orion varsity boys basketball coach Jim Manzo is still waiting to see the mental fortitude that will be required to propel his team to a championship this year.
The Dragons were 9-11 last season, and finished fourth in the league and 1-1 in the post season after defeating Rochester and losing to Troy.
The team returns three seniors; captain Jon Krause, Justin Diesbourg and Marc Thompson; two juniors; Joe Barnes and Ross Tonyan; and sophomore Drew Maynard, from last year’s squad.
‘This is about as optimistic as we’ve been in a long time,? said Manzo. ‘We have lots of pieces to the puzzle, and a good chance to win a league title.?
Manzo said the varsity team is deeper this year than they’ve been in the past, and is more athletic.
‘Versatility keeps coming to mind,? he said. ‘Our big guys can play more positions and are more skilled.?
Toughness will be an issue, and Manzo is wondering how battle-tested the team is.
‘Our talent won’t win it alone,? he said. ‘You have to bring a certain amount of toughness to the court.?
The team’s main goal is, as always, to win a championship. It’s been 17 years since Lake Orion had one.
‘That’s certainly within our reach,? said Manzo. ‘This group’s been pretty committed to that. A lot of them have been playing in the off season.?
There are 10 players on this year’s varsity, including newcomers juniors Cole Moore, Tom Madigan and Mike Tuzik, and sophomore Chris Lum.
The team is managed by Jeff Brakora and Blake Young, and their statistician is Anthony Taormina.
Assistant coaches are Dave Tooley, in his seventh year with the team, and Jesse Heck, in his sixth.
Manzo said among the team’s top competition will be Farmington Hills Harrison, who also return most of their team.
Oak Park won the division last year, while Kettering finished second. Manzo said Romeo and Davison will be tough non-league games for the Dragons this year.
‘We’ll also see Oxford and Holly before the holiday break,? he said. ‘We’ve really talked about playing better at home.?