WINTER PREVIEW: Fall River area boys basketball teams aim for runs in state tournament
FALL RIVER — High school boys basketball teams recently kicked off a new winter season.
Six Fall River area teams — Atlantis Charter, Case, Diman Durfee, Somerset Berkley and Westport — get set for another high intensity, action-packed season.
Three of the six teams punched their ticket to the postseason last year. Others look to join in on the madness in March.
Here's a look at the previews for Herald News boys basketball teams:
More: Fall River area high school boys basketball player to watch this winter
Atlantis Charter Tritons
Head coach: Bob Ferris, 25 years
Last year's record: 10-10
League: Independent League
Returning starters: Miguel Pimentel, G-F; DJ Adediran, G; Izzy Aponte, F; Marv Antoine, G; Nate Benivedez, G-F; Devon Paradise G-F; Chris Sanchez, G; Jowell Noze, G; Dbouby Antonie, G-F
Newcomers: Nate Benivedez, F; Gerald and Genald George, G-F
Outlook: The Tritons aim to get back into the playoffs after last season's appearance. Longtime head coach Bob Ferris, whose team dropped their season opener against Old Colony, will have the boys ready to go this winter. "We have a young team," Ferris said. "How well our players play as a team will determine our success." Senior co-captain Miguel Pimentel brings varsity experience and a scoring punch to the lineup. Co-captain freshman point guard DJ Adediran can play multiple positions and brings leadership. Izzy Aponte gives Atlantis Charter hustle down low. Marv Antoine brings speed and energy to the lineup while Devon Paradise is quick and has high energy at the guard spot. Chris Sanchez and Jowell Noze should provide depth along with guard/forwards Nate Benivedez, Gerald and Genald George. Dbouby Antonie is a solid wing rebounder. Ferris said Wareham, Holbrook, Westport are formidable opponents for his team.
Case Cardinals
Head coach: Dan Wenzel, ninth season
Last year's record: 4-16
League: South Coast Conference
Returning starters: Landon Cayton, G; Cayden Gonsalves, PG; Aiden Parent, F; Jack Orton, C; Chris Gaboriault, G-F
Newcomers: Tyler Costa, G-F; Aedan Borges, G; Cole Rego, G-F; Reid Ulmschneider, G-F
Outlook: The Cardinals look to take a major step this winter in a competitive South Coast Conference schedule. "Our goal is to continue to get better each day and compete for a playoff spot in February," Case head coach Dan Wenzel said. Back for his final season is star guard and two-time captain Landon Cayton, who averaged a team-high 17.2 point per game. Senior point guard and three-year starter Cayden Gonsalves is a leader on the court. Senior Aiden Parent is a two-time captain and three-year starter stretches the floor on offense. Senior center Jack Orton anchors the defense. Senior Chris Gaboriault looks to cause havoc on the defensive end. Sophomore Tyler Costa will look to log major minutes while freshmen Aedan Borges, Cole Rego, and Reid Ulmschneider aim to be major contributors on the varsity team this year. Wenzel said Bourne, Somerset-Berkley and Old Rochester are top teams in the division.
Diman Bengals
Head coach: Tom Librera, fourth season
Last year's record: 6-14
League: Mayflower Athletic Conference Large
Returning starters: Sam Perry, G-F; Anthony DeJesus, G-F; Sy Air Neal, G-F; Sakai Silver, PG; Jack Librera, G-F; Alex Decoste, G-F, Aidan Bigelow, G-F
Newcomers: Alexis Gonsalez, G-F; Karter Pereira, F; Ian Morales-Campbell, G-F.
Outlook: The Bengals look to erase last season's woes and make a run at the state tournament. "We should be quick with good depth and size," Diman head coach Tom Librera said. "We expect to compete for the Mayflower Large title." Leading the way for Librera's group is junior Sam Perry, who averaged a team-high 13 points per game. Two-year starters Anthony DeJesus (11.0) and Sy Air Neal (9.0) can fill up the hoop on any given night. Another returner Sakai Silver will run the point guard position. Jack Librera, Alex Decoste and Aidan Bigelow will each provide depth off the bench. Transfer student Alexis Gonsalez along with freshman Karter Pereira and junior Ian Morales-Campbell will be key contributors. Librera said he expects Diman, Blue Hills and Tri-County to be tough opponents in the division.
Durfee Hilltoppers
Head coach: Joe DaCruz, fifth season
Last year's record: 12-9. Lost to Winchester in the Division I preliminary game.
League: Southeast Conference
Returning players: Jeyden Espinal, PG; Eric Lucas, G; Davontae Stewart, F; Avonte Lamore, G-F; Cameron Demello, F; Chris Milfort, F; Ben Sherry, F; Josh Sanon, F
Newcomers: Jahmier Stephenson, G; Jayden Souza, G; Eli Chase, G
Outlook: The Hilltoppers are off to a fast start this winter, collecting road wins against East Boston and O'Bryant. Durfee head coach Joe DaCruz said his team is setting the bar high. "We bring alot of experience with the ability to go deep into the rotation," DaCruz said. "A lot of talent and options on offense, lots of speed and athletic abilities. The goal is to stay healthy, hold each other accountable [and] compete at a high level every night." Returning for the Hilltoppers is 3-point specialist and three-year varsity player Jeyden Espinal. Senior Eric Lucas has great physical ability, spreads the floor and gets to the basket. Davontae Stewart, a three-year varsity and utility player can spread the floor. Avonte Lamore provides instant offense and Cameron Demello can rebounder, defend and can score in the post. Chris Milfort, Ben Sherry and Josh Sanon will be keys this year. Transfer student Jahmier Stephenson is a dynamic scorer and ball handler while Jayden Souza is a shooter with a high basketball IQ. Eli Chase has great leadership and is hard working. Beside his team, DaCruz said other teams to watch are Brockton and Dartmouth.
Somerset Berkley Raiders
Head coach: Bob Slater, 15th season
Last year's record: 11-10. Lost to Northampton in the Division 2 preliminary game.
League: South Coast Conference
Returning players: Brendan McDonald, PG; Mason Mederios, G; Finn Bjork, F; Will Dionne, F; Dom Taylor, G; Drew McGarry, F; Camden Hoyle, G; Max Finlaw, G; Kaven dos Santos, F; Colten Pacheco, G
Newcomers: N/A
Outlook: The Raiders return 10 players from last season's squad. Longtime SBR head coach Bob Slater said his team has a lot of size and can shoot this winter. "We are looking to get the ball up the floor quick and have some kids who can really shoot," Slater said. "Our goal as always is to make the tournament and secondly to win our league. We hope to be very competitive." Junior star guard and Herald News Player of the Year Brendan McDonald is back after averaging an area-best 20.3 points per game. Senior guard Mason Mederios was the second leading scorer and best defender. Finn Bjork averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game at the forward spot. Dom Taylor moves from the sixth man to starter and was the team's second best 3-point shooter. Drew McGarry, Camden Hoyle, Maxwell Finlaw and Kaven dos Santos give the Raiders much needed depth. Sophomore Colten Pacheco should see lots of time off the bench. Slater said Old Rochester, Bourne and Apponequet are going to be tough.
Westport Wildcats
Head coach: Scot Boudria, 17th season
Last year's record: 14-8. Lost to Mount Greylock in the Division 5 Sweet 16.
League: Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive
Returning players: Owen Boudria, G; Anthony Raposa, G; Chris Duarte, C; Will Quinlan, F
Newcomers: Luke Coelho, F
Outlook: The Wildcats graduated seven seniors from last season's Sweet 16 team. Longtime Westport head coach Scot Boudria said his team will have a difficult, non-league schedule this winter. "Most kids are multiple sport players, if not, three-sport players," Boudria said. Back for another year is junior star guard Owen Boudria, who averaged a team-high 18.7 points per game. He also chipped in with 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and two steals per game. Junior Will Quinlan and senior center Chris Duarte are also returning varsity players. Guard Anthony Raposa and forward Luke Coelho are up for the JV team. Boudria said his team and Holbrook should be battling for the top spot in their division.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @Chezsports.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River area high school boys basketball season preview
