EASTON, Maine — Over the past several years, the Easton boys basketball team has been one of the top contenders in the Class D ranks.
Last season, a 12-6 record led to a third place regular season finish. After a first round bye, the Bears defeated Wisdom in the quarterfinals before losing a semifinal contest to eventual state champion Machias.
A solid core of players graduated, including Carter Mazerolle, Dustin Lacroix, Hunter Brown, Jordan Doody, Michael Brown and 1,000-point scorer Jacob Flewelling. In addition, last year’s coach, Manny Martinez, has departed.
This year, the team will perform under first year coach Cody Closson, who has a solid basketball background and should bring a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to the gym. Assistant coach Dan Warren is back and Closson will get help from managers Cecilia Ferris and Kate Faloon.
With the number of departing seniors, a lot of new players will be filling key roles on the floor for the Bears. However, the returnees have been a big part of the action in the past and that experience should help.
Senior Collin Sotomayor has been a solid performer in the past and has the potential to lead the team both offensively and defensively. Sotomayor will be expected to provide quality leadership to this young squad.
Junior Isaac Currier is a gritty player who will probably fill the spot as a lockdown defender. Senior Keegan Kinney will be expected to step up. He is a good shooter with an excellent basketball IQ, according to Closson. Sophomore Kooper Kinney is a “heart and soul” kind of guy who leaves it all on the floor every time out, the coach said. Senior Noah Hanscomb is a very versatile player who could cause a number of matchup issues for opposing squads.
There are a number of other players who will be in the mix, including junior defensive specialist Alex Harvath, junior spot shooter Carson Flewelling, freshman rebounder Kyle Flewelling, sophomore newcomer Troy Chasse, freshman swingman Camden Michaud, sophomore defender Matthew Pangburn and senior post presence Matt Poole. Closson is counting on them to pick up their game to the next level.
The rookie coach feels that offensively, the key will be to take care of the ball on every possession. He is expecting the squad to be looking to get easy baskets whenever possible, while not being afraid to be patient and work for the quality buckets.
Defensively, Closson believes that controlling the tempo of the game will be important. He said they will show a variety of looks and approaches in both the half and full court in an effort to keep their opponents uncomfortable and hopes of creating offense out of their defense.
Closson is excited about the new opportunity and challenges this season will bring.
“I am very optimistic about the upcoming season,” he said. “Although we graduated a lot of talent and all-stars, we have returned a solid group of leaders who have tournament experience. Mixing that solid group of returners to a fresh group of athletes that are eager to learn and play the game makes me excited to be a part of this family.
“I hope to compete every game with dedicated effort and intensity, while representing Easton as gentlemen with first class sportsmanship.”
