What to do for an encore? That's the question Colts fans are asking about their basketball team. Hills West took their second straight Long Island Championship last year, before falling in the state semifinals. The student body wants a state title.
So do the Colts, but when it comes to the new season, they're not asking any questions or paying attention to all the hype. They're just looking to take League IV first, then worry about the playoffs when they arrive.
"We just want to control today, that's our motto," Colts coach Bill Mitaritonna said.
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The players proved they once again have what it takes for a championship in Tuesday's game against Copiague, controlling the court with a score of 72-49.
As league play is in its early stages, there are some things beyond the team's control. Graduation for one, as star guard Tavon Sledge has moved on to Iowa State. Injuries are another, as 6-6 center Neneyo Mate-Kole is out with a knee problem. Don't expect the rest of the league to feel sorry for the Colts, as the team is still stacked, and the favorite to take the conference.
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The offense starts, and usually finishes with forward Emile Blackman, closing in on the 1,000 point mark for his career. When Mitaritonna decides to run set plays, it usually involves Blackman creating his own shots, as the senior is also the team's top three-point threat. Much of the time, it's a case of team defense creating offense.
"We like to pressure and we think our defense is unique in that we do things a lot of teams don't," Mitaritonna said. "Because of that, we're able to get easy baskets."
Blackman is joined up front by Denzel Williams, as they try and hold the fort until Mate-Kole returns to provide the muscle. Speaking of which, Bradley Lahens stands above all at 6' 8", and his coach says he's a late bloomer who should contribute as the year goes on.
Mical Boyd runs the floor from the point, joined by Marcus Solomon and Terry Harris, younger brother of NBA Milwaukee Bucks , on the wing. Blackman's younger brother Jamir, and Boyd's brother Matthew provide speed off the bench when the Colts want to pick up the tempo.
This season, the colts will be working on their free throw shooting, along with shot selection, Mitaritonna said, which should get better as the new starters get more experience under their belt.
"When you're on the break you want to finish, but in transition sometimes they make bad decisions, so we'll teach them how to take the right shot at the right time, and always to be unselfish," the coach said.
While it appears the colts have the ability to reach the sky this season, they've got their feet on the ground and are concentrating on the here and now.
"People ask me about defending the back to back Long Island Championships, and I don't really care about that, I care about today," Mitaritonna said.
But it must be said: the Colts are a title contender. Today, and beyond.
