How about Trinity Catholic facing Stamford for the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference boys basketball title?
It happened six years ago. It could happen again.
As we turn the page on the calendar year, the season is not quite one-third old, but an argument can be made that the Crusaders and the Black Knights are the top two teams in the league.
Trinity appears to be a prohibitive favorite. It has the best 1-2 punch with Tevin Baskin and Eric Jean-Guillaume, and though the Crusaders go just six or seven players deep, they are quality players (besides, coach Mike Walsh would not know what to do if he had to play more than seven on a regular basis).
Thus far Stamford has arguably been the next most impressive team. Chris Evans is one of the league’s top players, and the Black Knights have about three or four others who take turns stepping up on a given night. If they can get more consistent play inside from Mark Ellis, they will be even more dangerous.
Which are the other teams to keep an eye on? The three Bridgeport schools have been unimpressive thus far, but Harding has been missing several starters and should be much better over the second half of the year. St. Joseph may be a bit overrated, certainly as far at its No. 8 ranking in the latest state poll. Staples and Greenwich has thus far lived up to being labeled possible sleepers at the start of the year, but lets wait and see how the two fare against better competition.
Right now it is apparent that this is a down year for the FCIAC as a whole, as well as the state. That should open the door for some new faces for this year’s league tournament.
But as we get ready for 2009, a Trinity-Stamford final is a distinct possibility.
Happy New Year to all.
Dean,
Good question, one I brought up with Trinity coach Mike Walsh over the weekend. Everyone is focused on where Tevin is headed and Eric has been overlooked. I have to admit I haven’t really spoken to him about it but promise to soon. I know he has received a lot of inquiries from several schools. He is a borderline Division I prospect and the only thing that makes him borderline is his size. He is a great shooter and handles the ball well. The only time he gets in trouble is when he tries to force the action too much and makes bad passes.
I think a lot depends on what Eric is looking for in a school. Can he play at the Division I level? I’ll offer two words: Mike Trimboli.
Dave:
Where do you think Jean-Guillaume will end up playing in college (assuming that he does)? If you cannot list particular schools, what league or level, e.g., A-10, MEAC?