Athletic Rams eye state berth

BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer

The South River High School boys basketball team looks forward to the season with a clear goal — to make the state tournament, which the Rams missed by one game last year before finishing 9-13.

And with a healthy group of returning players, the Rams are a good bet to make a run at accomplishing that goal.

"We have two starters coming back, but all five of this year’s starters have varsity experience," said coach Carl Buffalino, whose club opens the season on Dec. 19 at Metuchen. "We don’t have a lot of size but we have a real athletic team. Most of the guys also play football and soccer."

As for the returning starters, 5-11 senior Robert Hickey has been the most proficient scorer, with a 12.5 point average last winter, while 5-9 junior J.J. Adelino had five points and 4.5 assists per game.

The other three starters saw time last year, with 6-2 senior Lee Matech and 5-7 junior point guard Eric McDaniel having played a limited role.

Junior Zyhair Dotson (5-11), however, made a significant impact, contributing eight points and five rebounds coming off the bench.

In reserve, Buffalino has 5-10 senior Tyreek Robinson, junior Corey Heisler (5-8), Danny Kosko, another junior, who stands 5-10, sophomore Horace Hill (6-2) and freshman Joe Lasala, who is also 6-2.

"We’re going to try to be all over the place, playing 90 feet and pressing, causing turnovers," Buffalino said. "Our guys had a real good summer league season, and attended camps. They’ve been playing together a long time."

Although SRHS has its eyes on making the states, the coach sounds a cautionary note.

"We want to get as far as we can," said Buffalino, who is assisted by JV coach Mike Delaversano, frosh coach Stephanie Schoop and Dave Davidson. "But we really, really have to take one game at a time, starting with a win on opening night."