Despite senior Jude Laforge being the only returning player with extensive varsity experience, the basketball team has quickly found its rhythm for the 2023-24 season. The team’s other seniors, Luke Couret and P.J. Varisco, have stepped up, setting a high standard for the rest of the team. Impressively, the Jays have begun the season with a 5-0 record, with 12-14 players participating in most games. 

Head coach Chris Jennings ’78 appreciates the team’s depth, stating, “We have a myriad of players, each adept in diverse aspects of the game. This depth poses a pleasant challenge to us as a coaching staff. We are striving to identify the best combinations that complement each other. We also have competent players who haven’t yet had significant game time. This situation fosters healthy competition during practices, which will inevitably enhance our performance.”

The Jays have adopted a dynamic, high-tempo game style this season. Averaging 70 points per game, they have successfully kept their opponents to an average of just 52 points per game. 

We are just getting our hands on so many balls, and it’s a fun brand of basketball when you can frustrate the other team and disrupt what they are trying to do offensively.

Chris Jennings

The Jays’ defense exhibits versatility with juniors Ethan Lapeze and Brewer Nitcher blocking shots in the lane, while the perimeter defense is led by senior Gus Laibe alongside Laforge and Couret. These seniors are providing guidance for ambitious underclassmen including Neil Odeh, Zach LaGrazie, Brennan Pitts, and Tanner Hughes.

Senior Pete Metzinger brings additional size to the Jays’ roster with his 6’5″ stature. A talented group of juniors, including Harrison Gootee, Brandt Blanchard, Ben Cimini, and Anthony Montalbano, as well as a promising sophomore, Sven Jensen, have also contributed to the team’s success. 

Catch the Blue Jays in action, check the season schedule here.