Evan Brooker
At the beginning of the winter season, critics were dismissive of the MHS Tigers’ potential. Last season’s team had a relatively triumphant year, despite having a sub-five hundred record of 10-12.
Even though the team seemed to have turned a corner last year, the Tigers lost several talented seniors and showed weak rebounding skills. That season’s performance suggested that the 2009-2010 season would be arduous. However, during preseason, players like Sam Gruppo ’10 exuded optimism and said, “A lot of people don’t have confidence in us because we lost a lot of key players, but I really believe that if we can mesh as a team and take in the coaching, we will be solid.”
So far, the Tigers have definitely internalized the coaching and have been more than “solid”. Coach Carver, when asked about the keys to his team’s success, said, “This team works very hard and listens to the little details to be successful.”
The team’s work ethic shows. The squad surprised everyone when they started the season 5-0 and qualified for the playoffs.
Unfortunately, injuries to key players, such as Gruppo (out with an ankle injury early in the season), have hindered the Tigers, preventing them from showing off their full capabilities. Tommy Vandenberg ’11, a shooting guard, has also been sidelined with an injury, leaving two big gaps in the starting roster. Seth Girsky ’10 and Jarred Mascali ’10, two of Carver’s veteran players, also missed some time at the beginning of the season.
The Tigers have only had an entirely healthy squad suit up for one regular season game out the first fourteen. However, younger players, such as Matt Mezansky ’12, have filled the temporary void left by the injured players by playing superbly.
Carver has put a lot of faith in his team’s young talent. “I think the good play by our younger guys, early, has helped build confidence,” Carver said. “I believe this group has a chip on their shoulder and wants to prove that although we lost some key players last season, we still can be successful.”
Capitan Oliver Shirley ’11 is also having a break out season. The Tiger’s season has been phenomenal when one considers the extent to which the team has been plagued with injuries.
Perhaps the greatest advantage that MHS has over its opponents is the team’s conditioning, something that Carver has emphasized since the beginning of his tenure. “Part of the reason we have had some early success is due to our hard work and hustle. We are in great shape and are capable of outrunning our opponents,” said Gruppo.
Carver has also made it clear that the Tigers cannot rely on anyone but themselves. “We always look at ourselves first, then we breakdown the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and what we need to do in order to win. At the end of the day, it always starts and ends with us,” Carver said.
As the Tigers head into the last couple of weeks of the regular season, they are focused on obtaining great results, not only to improve their seeding in the sectional tournament but also to boost confidence before the playoffs. They have a difficult remaining game schedule against Scarsdale, Mt. Vernon, and New Rochelle.
The Tigers are currently 8-6. Despite suffering a string of losses in the middle of the season, they have not been rattled. The Tigers are determined to make a deep run into the postseason. After upsetting White Plains in last year’s sectional clash, MHS looks forward to making that hard earned, surprise win, a habit. As a bright spot, some of Tigers’ injured players anticipate returning to the team for the playoff season.
