The Aces practice in hopes of playing up to the great expectations that their spirited fan base has for them. (Chris Conwell) After the exciting boys’ soccer season unfortunately came to its end, the Dawg Pound once again has reason for excitement. After last basketball season, when seniors dressed up like superheroes on game nights, this year’s fan section is left with a difficult act to follow in matching last year’s spirit. The same goes for the Aces team. Returning his most athletic players, coach Downer looks to lead a team primed for an even deeper run. Both the famous basketball program and its supporters embrace these challenges as winter approaches. With aspirations for a league title, high district seeding, and another state playoff bid, LM sports enthusiasts can hardly wait for this season.
The Aces team displayed its superior athleticism at Maroon Madness, where four of its stars competed in a slam dunk contest. Other LM programs, most notably the Tech Club, displayed their spirit, and the Coaches vs. Cancer committee organized another successful fundraiser. Hopefully the excitement carries over throughout the duration of the season.
Last year’s Aces team rose above and beyond expectations despite a slow 6-6 start. The team finished 13-3 in Central League play, winning its last eight Central League games. The Aces recovered from two heartbreaking losses to Upper Darby, ultimately defeating their bitter rival in the district playoffs. We remember jeering Daron “Tiny” Harris as he walked toward the bench in foul trouble, balking at Terrence Bridges’ emphatic dunks, and encouraging defensive efforts to stop all-Central League player Brandon Hashim’s accurate perimeter shooting. With rumors of Hashim’s absence for his senior season at Upper Darby, the Aces appear to be the clear Central League favorite. Ridley is expected to be the Aces’ biggest competitor this season, returning Central League player of the year Shawn Church. However, the intensity of the LM–Upper Darby rivalry should resume exactly where it left off, with the Aces marching on.
The Dawg Pound collectively held its breath during the final moments in four of the playoff games decided by only one possession, the most exciting being a first round win over Scranton in the state playoffs. Entering districts as a 13th seed, and states as the 7th seed from District 1, the 2010–2011 Aces loomed under the radar. A rematch against Scranton on January 21 should be a very interesting late-season matchup. This year’s team enters the season with a large chip on its shoulder, seeking recognition.
Although the Aces graduated nine seniors, current seniors Darryl Reynolds and Mike Robbins look to lead a group returning its best athletes. “We’re not quite as deep as we were last year,” coach Downer acknowledged. But “this team has a lot of athleticism and a lot of size.” The team will rely on Reynolds and junior guard/forward BJ Johnson to control the paint. It will also rely on senior forward Yohanny Dalembert, who developed a nice shooting touch during last year’s playoffs and hopes to increase his contribution.
The Aces also sport skillful ball handlers in junior Raheem Hall and sophomore JaQuan Johnson. Hall will continue to dazzle fans with his fancy dribbling, rebounding aggressiveness, and ability to penetrate the lane. Robbins, with his three years of varsity experience, will call the offense. Coach Downer encouraged talented sophomores Justin McFadden and JaQuan Johnson to compete for large shares of playing time, and freshmen Jule Brown and Corey Sherman earned spots on the varsity roster. Downer says that both freshmen have bright futures, but it is yet to be seen if they will contribute significantly.
Coach Downer looks to utilize his talent, hoping to press, run the floor, and play a variety of defenses to stifle opponents. According to BJ Johnson, summer league wins over Friends Central, Constitution, and Boys Latin “let us know we can compete with the best teams in the state.” Facing top PA programs in the summer and fall will prepare the Aces for early season games against Philly basketball powers Roman Catholic and St. Joe’s Prep. The Aces round out their non-conference schedule by taking on successful Maryland Prep school McDonough.
The Aces begin the season with one basic goal: to win the Central League. Downer recognizes the prospects of advancing deep into districts and states, but strives to keep his team focused on the task at hand. “It’s a very long journey. I think when you have expectations that are too high, you’re vulnerable to tripping up,” he said. Coach Downer always maximizes the talent on his roster, organizing rigorous offseason training programs and motivating players to perform to their full potential. Ability wise, the 2011–2012 team possesses all the necessary tools.
The returning Aces players earned a dramatically heightened status from last year’s heroics. Anyone at LM can recognize the athletically built students sporting gym bags, black jackets and smiles following a difficult off-season workout. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and Twitter posts long before the start of the season demonstrate that this year should definitely be special.
