2011 Preview: Sachem North Boys Basketball

Sachem North graduated seven seniors from last year’s group, including all leading scorers. The Flaming Arrows also enter League I for the first time in four years.

This marks the second season for Sachem coach Tom Mullee, who praised former coach Mike Atkinson for leaving him with a sound program.

“It was a great transition,” said Mullee.

The switch came with a steady amount of success for Mullee, who guided Sachem to a playoff appearance against William Floyd last season. Sachem will have a chance to avenge that loss against Floyd during the regular season since the Colonials – a major rival on the football field – are always a League I team.

“It will be interesting for us,” Mullee said. “Things as simple as traveling on the road are different. None of our guys are familiar with those gyms and teams.” 

Head coach: Tom Mullee, second season

Assistant coaches: Pete Caifso and Ed Manly

2010-11 record: 11-8 overall, 8-6 in League II; lost to William Floyd in first round of playoffs 

Key players

Jack Gannon, Sr., PG: Gannon, who has committed to play lacrosse at UMBC, knows how to play the game with sound fundamentals. He’ll be the top player this season as the main point guard. Last year he was No. 2 on the depth chart behind leading scorer Nicky Gallina.

Alex Galdamez, Sr., C: He has really figured it out in the last year, according to Mullee, about what it takes to be a varsity player. “He made a commitment in the off-season,” Mullee said. Galdamez is one of the tallest players on the Sachem roster at 6-6.

Jay Prudente, Sr.: Prudente took on a leadership role in the off-season. Expect some good minutes and point production out of him.

Brendan Chettick, Jr.: “He made leaps and bounds last year,” Mullee said. “He learned a lot as a sophomore.” He played half of the playoff game against Floyd and is very composed on the floor for an underclassman.

Dan Urbanski, Jr. SF: Urbanski is a wing player who can really shoot. He led JV in scoring a year ago and will play a major role offensively.

Lou Ferrari, Jr. G: “He has been the guy that has impressed us most as far as newcomers to varsity,” Mullee said. He can defend very well and will see plenty of time this season.

Key loses

• Dave Brown
• Brian Ford, playing at Drew University
• Nick Gallina, playing at Suffolk Community College
• Vin Vacanti

Key games

• December 9 vs. Riverhead, non-league opener and home opener
• December 20 at Brentwood, league road opener
• January 6 vs. Longwood, league home opener
• January 10 at Sachem East, in-district rivalry game
• January 20 vs. Floyd, league rivalry game