Warriors look strong at both ends of the floor
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

PLUMSTED — If the preseason is any kind of barometer for what’s in store during the regular season, the New Egypt High School boys basketball team could be headed for a return visit to the state playoffs.

So far, the Warriors have looked impressive in winning all four preseason scrimmages. Defensively, New Egypt has clamped down on opponents, allowing less than 40 points per effort. Of course, New Egypt coach Jay Corby realizes it is only the preseason, but offers his squad looks solid despite losing four key players to graduation.

“We have looked very good so far in the scrimmages,” Corby said.

“We are playing very good defense and rebounding the ball well. If we don’t allow second shot opportunities, we are going to find ourselves in a lot of close games. We’re looking forward to getting the season started.”

New Egypt is scheduled to meet Florence in the season opener this Friday. Corby feels if his team limits mistakes, the Warriors could present a problem for one of the top teams in the Burlington County Scholastic League.

“They always have a very strong team,” Corby said. “But we’re playing at home and if we can mentally stay in the game and play tough defense, we’re going to have a chance in the fourth quarter.”

Gone form last year’s team that finished with an overall mark of 17-11, which included a victory in the first round of the state tournament, are Donny Bunce, Tom Partyka, Dan Weingart and Jeff Janowski.

“Anytime you lose that many players, you are going to have gaps to fill,” Corby said. “But on this year’s team, we have eight or nine guys I feel real comfortable playing. We have depth and plan on using a lot of different people. We’re looking for the right combinations.”

Key returnees include seniors Ricky Mackesy, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard, and Josh Howard, a 6-3 forward who averaged 10 points and nine boards a game last season.

“We’re relying on these two guys to lead us,” Corby said. “Both have experience and have been here before. They are going to be key players on this year’s team. However, they do have plenty of support.”

Sophomore Dakota Havens will give the Warriors presence inside along with 6-7 sophomore center Kevin Janowski, who suffered a knee injury in a scrimmage and is questionable for Friday’s opener.

“We’ve got good size and physical strength inside,” Corby said. “We’re not going to get pushed around by teams and we should rebound the ball well.”

Junior lead guard Davion Clanton will take over for Bunce. Clanton is an explosive player, whose penchant for going to the goal and creating opportunities offensively gives New Egypt a bit of a different look than past years.

“He brings something different this year to our offense,” Corby admitted. “He can make a lot of things happen out there. I need to give him the freedom to create without letting him get out of control. So far he has done a nice job.”

Dylan Rowley is a 6-foot-1 swingman, who logged a lot of minutes on the junior varsity last year, and senior transfer Stephen Panasuk, a 6-3, 215-pound forward provides the Warriors with additional rebounding.

Reserve seniors Stephen Dey and Danny Knott give Corby options coming off the bench.

“We’re going to give everybody some minutes,” Corby said. “Each guy brings something to the table this year. I’m not afraid to go to the bench. I think our depth is going to be a huge plus as the season wears on.”