By Ella Franzman – Editor-In-Chief

The Jonathan Law boys basketball team is hoping to have a very successful season again. 

Last year the Lawmen finished with a regular season record of 17-3 and qualified for the SCC and state tournament. The team’s captains this year are senior Liam Valvo and junior Cam Upchurch.

“As a captain I hope I can lead the younger guys to progress into hard workers and help lead the varsity guys to states,” Valvo said.

Senior Derek Rainey, who transferred to Law from St. Joseph’s High School last year, is looking forward to compete in a whole season with the Lawmen.

“I plan on helping the team out by using my leadership skills on and off the court for the team to succeed,” Rainey said. “I also plan on helping the team out by listening to our plays closely and if someone is lost on the court I can help them if needed.”

Valvo had a very successful junior season last year, finding himself open on the court to help score for his team. He will be one of several key returning players for Law this season.

“As coaches we look forward to getting back in the gym full time and working as one unit, to get better each day,” head coach Jamie Anderson said. “We have a  number of guys that are going to get a lot more time this year, so their development will be enjoyable to watch.”

Upchurch has been a starter for the team since his freshman year and is looking forward to seeing what other freshmen will step up. 

“As a captain I hope to lead the team by leading by example and teaching my teammates,” Upchurch said. “This offseason the team lifted, conditioned and played in open gyms together.”

Valvo, who broke his collarbone during football season, is excited to be cleared to return to the court. 

“I’m looking forward to the relationships I’ll build with my teammates and some teammates I’ve already made bonds with during football season,” Valvo said. 

The Lawmen varsity team opens up at home against Amity on December 14 at 7 p.m.

“One game I am looking forward to is against Hillhouse, because last year they knocked us out of the SCC tournament, so it will be a great revenge game,” Rainey said. “Another game I am looking forward to is Foran because it is always a hype environment and I love being able to play with and against friends one last time.”

The team graduated a lot of key players including Christian Andriolas, Brendan Buchner, Nolan McKenna-Hansen, Lenny Ialeggio and John Nieder, but have a good feeling a lot of younger players will fill in these roles. 

“Our goal is and always will be to make the league and state postseasons,” Anderson said. “Along the way we want to increase our team chemistry and put a consistent product on the court every night.” 

The team has been working very hard in practice the past week and is looking forward to continuing that work before their first game.