Bishop’s boys basketball coach Nick Levine talks in terms of “creating pressure” and “handling pressure.” “I think, ‘can you create pressure? Can you handle pressure?’
“That’s a key of winning games in high school, more than in college ball or the NBA,” says the fifth-year head coach. “We want to see if we can speed you up and get you out of your comfort zone.”
Entering summer play, which is a key time, Levine says, for just throwing things out there and seeing what the team has, the Knights return five players after four seniors graduated in early June plus, they bring up six or more new players from last year’s junior varsity.
The quintet of returners include Christian Rose, a 6-feet-6-inches tall All-Coastal Conference selection as a junior; Marek Thomson, a senior point guard; Zach White, a junior guard who can share point guard duties with Thomson; Anthony Wood, a two-guard and ball-handler; and Graham Cartwright, a 6-foot-one-inch tall guard who is a three-sport athlete.
“Christian has extended his shooting range,” comments Levine of Rose. “His mid-range shot is really good. It’s not a shot that kids work on anymore, but he does. He can take a dribble or two, then pull up and shoot. He’s going to be a team captain. He’s an example for others. People respect him.”
Thomson, like Rose, will be a four-year varsity player next season. “I think we won eight more games last year (than the year before),” notes the coach, implying his point guard deserves part of the credit. “Marek’s a kid who’s going to get others involved. He’s going to find his teammates with the ball.”
“Then, he’s competitive. He’s feisty. He’s always in your face. When your point guard does that, it spreads to your other players.”
“Zach White is playing club. These kids are playing year-round. So, like the others, he’s getting coaching and improving.” White is one of Levine’s pressure guys.
“Anthony was a face-off guy for our lacrosse team, so he brings some toughness. He’s not real tall, but he can handle the ball.”
Graham is a player who is going to help any team,” says the coach. “He’s smart. I can put him in any position. He’s a good teammate. Everyone loves him. He’ll play a guard.”
From a bevy of talented players on the Knights’ junior varsity team that went 19-3 last year are R.J. Faltinsky, 6-feet-two-inches tall, the JVs’ leading scorer; Kellen Hobson, a two-guard; Dash Tsa; Ryan Nagle, a 6-feet-two-inches tall; James Roesser, a point guard; and Clarence Freeman, a receiver in football who brings toughness.
