By Scott Huff
Central Bucks East head coach Erik Henrysen took over the Patriot basketball program at the conclusion of the school year in 2010.
“I found out right away through open gyms, and our play in the summer league, what we were getting into,” said Henrysen, who put in time for eight seasons as an assistant coach for Archbishop Ryan. “And I was excited about what I saw.”
Henrysen witnessed a trio of talented seniors that could be counted on to smooth the transition to a new head coach.
“I felt that the players, and the people at CB East, really embraced me as a part of them,” said Henrysen – who is a high school guidance counselor at Pennridge. “A have a group of players that I wouldn’t trade for any other.”
One of those players that lowered the transition hurdle for Henrysen was senior Scott Shields.
“Scott is our glue,” said Henrysen of his team captain. “He is always the toughest kid on the court, and he gives the most effort of anyone out there,
“When it came time to decide who was going to be our team captain, Scott was the first one that came to everyone’s mind,” added Henrysen. “His leadership has made a huge impact on the team.”
Shields returns the compliments.
“We definitely have a new attitude this season,” said Shields. “Everyone involved in program likes the direction where we are going.
“We have a competitiveness at practice that wasn’t there before,” added Shields. “We now believe that we can win basketball games.”
And the Patriots have ridden a win/loss roller coaster the entire season.
CB East lost its first three – won two in a row – lost two in a row – ripped off seven wins in a row – only to lose its last three in a row.
Overall – nine and eight. Suburban One League Continental Conference – six and five.
“We are still in contention for both a league title, and a district playoff,” said Shields. “And that’s where we want to be this time of year.”
Another senior who has contributed to the success of the Patriots this season is guard Chris Allen. Allen – a starter last season – now comes off the bench for East.
“Chris is a self-less kid who will do whatever it takes to help the team win basketball games,” said Henrysen. “He is a really steady presence in the game, and he creates a calm that we need at times.
“Chris works very hard in practice every day, and is a key piece to our team,” continued Henrysen. “He is an extremely coach able kid – a great kid to have on the team.”
Allen came off the bench to score 12 huge points in CB East’s 71-68 double overtime loss to Pennridge. His scoring in the final period helped force the first overtime, and his continued fine play created the second overtime.
“There is no question that I had to adjust to coming off the bench,” said Allen. “It was a new role for me, but I want to be able to contribute any way that I can.’’
“We really play in a competitive league,” added Allen. “Our goal is to win out and see where we stand at the end of the season.”
Senior DJ Beausejour was a limited role player for CB East as a junior. That role player is now standing in the Patriot spotlight.
“Last year was tough for me, but (Henrysen) has put the confidence in me that I can fulfill my potential as a basketball player,” said Beausejour. “This season has been like a breath of fresh air.
“The offense has been opened up, and it is fun to play basketball,” added Beausejour. “I really miss the days we can’t have practice – I love playing basketball.”
“I wish that I had DJ another year, he just gets better and better every day,” said Henrysen. “He is going to be a college player someday – he is that good.
“DJ is very athletic and can penetrate into the lane to get his shot,” added Henrysen. “He is a terrific player when he becomes aggressive and asserts himself.”
Central Bucks East has also showcased a pair of juniors in Ryan O’Neil and Steve Topley.
“Ryan could be a great high school basketball player,” said Henrysen. “And Steve has emerged as one of our best players.
“Both of them are still trying to understand their potential,” added Henrysen. “And that time will come.”
Sooner rather than later.
Just the Facts
This year’s record: Central Bucks East 6-5 SOL (9-8 overall), Central Bucks South 3-8 SOL (4-15 overall)
Last year’s record: Central Bucks East 5-9 SOL (7-12 overall), Central Bucks South 9-5 SOL (15-10 overall)
Last meeting: Jan. 11, 2011 – Central Bucks East 50, Central Bucks South 48 (CB East – Ryan O’Neill -14 points, Matt Stauffer – 9 points, D.J. Beausejour – 9 points; CB East – Steve Schneider – 15 points, John Staman – 10 points)
Last game: North Penn 57, Central Bucks East 33 (Lou Pannella – 10 points, Matt Stauffer – 6 points)
North Penn 55, Central Bucks South 45 (Steve Schneider – 14 points, Matt Johns – 8 points)
Central Bucks East
#3 – Liam Gallagher (5-10, Jr., Guard)
#4 – D.J. Beausejour (6-2, Sr., Guard)
#5 – Mark Kiersnowski (6-1, Jr., Guard)
#10 – Chris Allen (6-0, Sr., Guard)
#12 – Ryan O’Neil (6-3, Jr., Forward)
#13 – Steve Topley (6-0, Jr., Guard)
#14 – Eric Montanari (6-1, Sr., Guard)
#20 – Brendan McLaughlin (5-10, Fr., Guard)
#21 – Scott Shields (6-1, Sr., Forward)
#23 – Justin Van Houten (6-1, Sr., Forward)
#24 – Lou Pannella (6-2, Jr., Forward)
#25 – Tim Hughes (6-2, Sr., Center)
#32 – Matt Stauffer (6-4, Soph., Forward)
#44 – Reid Menard (6-2, Jr., Center)
Central Bucks South
#3 – John Staman (5-10, Sr., Guard)
#5 – Adam Remick (5-6, Soph., Guard)
#10 – Dan Eichorn (6-0, Sr., Forward)
#13 – James Delgato (6-3, Sr., Center)
#15 – Kevin Raymond (5-5, Soph., Guard)
#22 – Steve Schneider (5-10, Sr., Guard)
#23 – Chris Veal (5-8, Jr., Guard)
#24 – Paul Zakrzewski (6-2, Jr., Guard/Forward)
#32 – Will Sassar (5-11, Jr., Guard)
#33 – Dave Knox (6-3, Jr., Forward)
#34 – Matt Johns (6-4, Jr., Forward)
#44 – Jake Cramer (6-3, Sr., Center/Forward)
#45 – John Flaherty (6-3, Jr., Center)
#55 – Ricky Dennis (6-6, Soph., Center)
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