COUNCIL ROCK NORTH BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Derek Wright (11th year)
Assistant coaches: Ed Costello, Jim Vacca, Marc Freeman, Damien Palantino, Chris Alba
Last year’s record: 11-3 SOL National Conference champions, 21-7 overall, 9th Place District I – PIAA State Playoff Berth
Notable losses: Aaron Morgan – UMBC, Arron Goodman – Cabrini College, Matt McCloskey
Key returners: Kyle McCloskey, Sr / G/F, Rip Engel, Jr / G, Brandon Knotts, Sr / G, Chris Rowland, JR / G, Ryan Baker, Sr / F, Josh McWilliams Jr. / G
Others to watch: Matt Margolis, So / G, Tyler Madison, Jr / F, Steve Nowmos, So / F
Strengths/Question Marks: Two starters returning (McCloskey and Engel) and Knotts back after missing almost entire 2011-12 season.
Outlook: The 2012-13 season arrives with great anticipation as the Indians look to win their fourth straight conference title. CR North loses three starters who became the staple of the program’s most successful four years in school history. Matt McCloskey, a two time all-league player and the team’s best defender, Aaron Morgan, a four-year starting point guard who scored 1186 points and is now playing at UMBC, and Arron Goodman, who leaves as the school’s all-time leading rebounder and second all-time leading scorer, will be sorely missed. CR North will also miss the leadership of seniors Alex Corry, Jason Cavell, and Owen Rice.
The Indians return starters Kyle McCloskey (8pts, 4 reb, 2 assts / Honorable Mention All – League) and Rip Engel (10.3 pts, 2.5 assists, 2 reb.). In addition, the Indians are excited to have a healthy Brandon Knotts, who returned from shoulder surgery for the playoffs and made a great contribution. Ryan Baker, Josh McWilliams, and Chris Rowland are also returning letter winners.
GAMES TO WATCH: The 2012-13 schedule is once again imposing. Highlights include CR North participating in showcase events in December like the Kyle Lowery / Scholastic Play by Play Classic vs. Malvern Prep and a Coaches vs. Cancer event vs. Holy Ghost Prep. In January, CR North will participate in the SOL Challenge (Wissahickon) and Hoop Group Lehigh Valley Classic (Bethlehem Liberty). The Indians will again host the Athletes Helping Athletes Classic at CR North (12/28 and 12/29) and look to claim a fourth consecutive championship in the highly respected Suburban One League National Conference.
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