By Matt Howe ’15
Sports Editor
If there was ever a year to make a run at the SJ Group IV title, this is it. Forget about last years loss to East in the second round of the playoffs, forget about the 15-13 record, forget about everything you think you know about West Basketball. Now re-focus. The Lions are simply THE team to beat in SJ this year. Returning three varsity starters to the floor, as well as many other experienced varsity caliber players, the stars have aligned perfectly this year for the Lions, and they simply refuse to be stopped.
One of those three returning varsity starters is SG Elijah Bey, who averaged an impressive 12 points per game last season in the role of point guard. Bey will be switching over to the two-guard this year however, letting junior returning varsity player Nick Krake take over the reigns at the point. I asked Bey about this transition and he replied “At first I didn’t like it because at the college level I will be playing point guard. But I got used to it really quickly because the way our offense works is we really push in transition and most of the plays are still called by me anyway, so in our offense it isn’t that big a deal to be making this shift now.” Bey went on to elaborate about the new offense by saying “Coach Tarrant brags how much he is like Chip Kelly and the Eagles offense, quick and efficient. We are really fast in transition so you can’t run back slow on defense or we will burn you!”
In the new offensive scheme, the Lions feature a starting lineup to best suit its style. The lineup this year will include junior Nick Krake at point guard, senior leader Elijah Bey (aka “eBay”) at shooting guard, senior Can Oztamur (aka “The Big Turk”) at small forward, junior Danny “Buckets” Buckwalter at the power forward position, and big man Jack Goan (aka “Jackie Moon”) holding down the center spot. Small-forward senior Can Oztamur is also regarded as one of the best players in SJ this year, and led the Lions is scoring last year averaging an very impressive, among tops in SJ 19 points per game. He looks to lead the Lions offense this year as he will be their go-to playmaker. Besides just the starters, the Lions have an experienced and deep bench that will prove to benefit them in the heat of the games, especially late. Coming of the bench the Lions boast a trio of returning varsity players in Chris Burlotus-Reeves (aka “Goggles”), as well as Austin Mecca and Mike “Wombat” Ottino who are both widely regarded as team leaders. Sophomore Bruce Neal will also look to make an impact as he had an impressive freshman season in the program.
Catching up with Bey and his expectations for this season, he made it apparent to me that they were in no shape or form “small expectations” in any way. It is clear that the Lions plan to go big, and they certainly do not plan on going home anytime soon until the SJ Group IV title is theirs. “We have very high expectations for this year” Bey told me. “We have three returning varsity starters and guys with lots of experience now. To start off the season we are ranked 9th in SJ, and just came off a statement win beating the number 8th ranked team Delsea by 10 points in our last scrimmage. We all believe that we have a great shot at the Group IV title so we are gonna go for it.”
Who will be standing in the Lions way this year en route to their Group IV title hopes? Cross-town rival and last years Group IV State Champions, Cherry Hill East who knocked the Lions out in the second round of the playoffs last year. When I asked Bey about what he thinks of the Cougars this year, he responded with great confidence. “East is ranked 10th, and we are ranked 9th. It will be a great game like always, but I just don’t see them being a match or threat to us. We have way to many weapons to be stopped offensively, and we just double team Silpe on the defensive end and who else do they have that’s a big threat? Cricket. Cricket. (laughs).” Clearly Bey and the boys are primed to take down East this year in what promises to be a statement game if the Lions can take down last years state champs.
Bey was quick to praise the rest of his teammates as well, especially power-forward Danny Buckwalter. Bey explained “Danny could easily be called one of the best defenders in South Jersey, at 6’3” he contests every shot down low without fouling, his deflections are huge, and his crazy blocks makes the crowd go nuts.” As a senior leader, Bey has high standards set for himself. “My goal as a senior leader is keeping everyone on the same page. Making sure people are in the right positions at the right times. But our team is just so experienced, smart, and tough, which makes my life so much easier so all we do is just ball out!” Clearly this season will be one to remember, and the Lions have all the confidence in the world that capturing their Group IV title will become a reality this season.
OUTLOOK: Expect the Lions to lose no more than five games this season, as their combination of experience and talent has them primed to win the majority of their games. Along with their playoff experience from last season and veteran leaders on the court, it should come as no surprise to SJ basketball fans to see the Lions battling it out in the Group IV championship game this year. I predict the Lions to go toe to toe with the returning state champions from the lesser side of Cherry Hill in the title game this year, and take back the trophy to the west side!
In order from left to right: Chris Burlotus-Reeves (“Goggles”), Austin Mecca, Danny “Buckets” Buckwalter, Elijah Bey (eBay), Can “The Big Turk” Oztamur, Mike “Wombat” Ottino