LYNN — The message through the early going for the Lynn Tech boys basketball team’s a simple one. Tech’s centered on turning the page on last season’s downfalls and looking forward to what this season could bring.
The Tigers finished at 6-14 last winter and missed out on the state tournament.
“I’m not even thinking about last year,” Tigers coach Stevie Patrick, entering his fourth season, said. “It was a tough season but I’m looking forward to this season. I’m happy with the group we have now. A lot of them are seniors. They’ve been through the program. They’ll work hard. We’re a little undersized but we’re going to work differently. We’re a lot more athletic this year.”
Tech graduated nine seniors from last year’s team, including Buba Ceesay, Amari Gaston and Rob Wallace, who finished his career with over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
“They brought leadership,” Patrick said of his 2019 senior class. “Rob brought a lot scoring and Amari was intense on defense. They showed a lot to these guys and that’s one of the reasons why I’m happy about this group this year.”
This season’s co-captains are seniors Haidar Bdaiwi (forward), Gregory Hernandez (guard) and Julian Peralta (guard).
“They trust each other,” Patrick said. “That’s what gives me the confidence that I have for this season. They all played football together. They had a successful season and that brings good energy in practice. There’s a different energy in practice.”
Senior point Luis Pineiro will run the offense.
“Luis brings a lot to the table as far intensity on the floor and balancing the offense,” Patrick said. “I’m very confident with him running the offense. He’s very smart with the ball. Even without the ball he does a great job making sure guys are in the right places. I’m very confident with him as our starting point guard. He can shoot, pass and he sets his teammates up. That’s what a point guard is supposed to do.”
Also returning are senior guard Eli Sosa, senior forward Carlos Peralta, junior guard Malik Purter and junior forward Mehki Cronin, who’s currently nursing an injury but aims to re-join the Tigers soon.
Patrick’s excited about the potential he’s seen from eighth-grader Yael Vizcaino, a guard.
“He’s special,” Patrick said. “He’s different. He made the varsity team. He’s definitely a special player.
“We have speed,” Patrick said. “We also have experience. A lot of these seniors have been on the bench but some of them got minutes here and there. With Malik, Greg, Mehki and Yael, we’re a lot more athletic than we have been in the past.”
After missing out on the playoffs last season, the Tigers have set qualifying for the tournament as one of their top goals. But doing so won’t be easy.
“We have to play hard,” Patrick said. “Players have to buy in and listen to the coaches. I have a really good coaching staff with a lot of experience in playing and coaching. If the players buy in, I think we’ll have a successful season. We have to play hard, listen to the coaches, stay healthy and not turn the ball over. If we do, we’ll make the playoffs.”
Patrick likes Tech’s chances in the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small.
“Just like we lost a lot of seniors, a lot of the other teams lost a lot of seniors,” Patrick said. “I feel that everybody’s on a even-level playing field. May the best team win.”
Tech opens the season Friday at Greater Lowell (5:30).
“The guys are ready to go,” Patrick said. “We had a scrimmage that was canceled because of the snow, so we haven’t had a scrimmage. The guys are ready to play against another team. They’re tired of playing each other. They’re ready and they’re hungry. I’m very confident with this group.”