By Steve Bigham

First-year boys’ middle school coach John Girard takes over a team laden with talent up and down the roster.

Girard replaces Gino LoRicco, who stepped down at the end of last season to dedicate more time to his very large family and coach Girard said, “Gino said that if he was coaching this year it would have been one of his strongest teams. This group is real deep.”

Girard figures the 1999-2000 Lions could win 80 percent of the games on their 17-game schedule – maybe all of them. The rookie coach played for Bristol Central during his high school days and he also assisted girls’ basketball coach Bill Girard last season.

The middle school has restructured its system this year so that the 8th-grade team is considered the varsity unit while the 6th-7th grade team is considered the junior varsity. Coach Girard said, “The talent is pretty much spread around. I can play any of these guys on the floor. I’ve been running them hard. Our strength is going to be our transition game this year.”

This year’s tri-captains are rebounder Ross Coates, scorer Andrew Fiscella, and the quick Matt McFadden. All three will see major minutes on a team that will not have one single starting lineup.

Brian Smith may be the team’s best point guard, Ronnie Shimko can hit the three-pointer and center John Oliver is a rock inside. Max Kay has a sweet jumper, David Anderson has good court vision, and Pat Armstrong is a high intensity player.

Dave Wesley is a top rebounder, Devon Manfredonia has good speed and Ben Bagaglio is considered a “gamer.” Mike Bonsignore is a good ball handler, Kyle Hasdtedt is a strong inside player, Jim Dietter has good hands and Joe DeFeo is a natural on the court.

Tom DeBenedetto coaches the junior varsity squad. Varsity managers are Colin Curran and Kyle Kirch.