Published December 19, 2019
By DAN NUNN
NORTH READING — Coming off a disappointing 7-13 season, the 2019-20 Hornets will be looking to rebound and qualify for the state tournament for the first time in two years.
“We need to establish an identity because last year we never really did that,” said head coach Joe Casey. “We are recommitting ourselves to playing better defense, playing a fast break, up-tempo offense and generally being tougher and more hard nosed.”
This year’s version of the Hornets has three distinct strengths. They return a strong back court, have strong senior leadership and have plenty of athleticism.
Junior captain Will Taylor returns as the starting point guard and according to Casey, “is our on and off court leader with a good basketball IQ.”
Junior Brayden Scribner and sophomore Cody Cannalonga both had a strong second half of the season last year and have “tremendous potential to be major players in the CAL,” according to Casey.
Senior Jack Keller, who started last year and made the CAL All-Star team, will be an inside presence alongside fellow senior Greg Demetri.
The six remaining seniors on the roster, guard Matt Luciano, guard Ryan Kavanaugh, guard Ryan McKinney, forward Max Helms, forward Nick O’Donnell and forward Nick Tormey, will be leaned on as well.
There will also be four promising newcomers that will round out the roster. Sophomores John Jennings and Quinn Riesenberg and juniors Braeden Bael and Robbie Tammarro are expected to contribute but will need to get used to varsity level basketball.
“I’m happy with how things are going so far. We need to figure out how the pieces of the puzzle fit, but the kids are coachable and want to compete which is a good sign for future success,” said Casey on the prognosis for the season. “Our goal is to get better every day and be playing our best basketball after the New Year. We definitely have the potential to qualify for the state tournament.”
The Hornets opened up their season in Amesbury on Wednesday night after press time. They travel to Pentucket on Friday night at 6:30 p.m.