Strong Core Leads Finley Boys' Basketball-7
A strong core group of players helped lead the seventh grade J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys' basketball team to a 6-4 mark this past winter under head coach Rick Agnello.
Max Angstadt, tri-captains Kevin Lawrence, Kevin Gulizio and Austin Reda and "most improved" player Carlos Cordero formed the backbone of the squad. "We got off to a rocky start, but finished the season winning five out of the last six games and showed a great deal of improvement," Agnello said.
Lawrence developed into an "outstanding post player with great footwork and a great touch around the basket with both hands," Agnello said. He displayed a sharp 15 foot jump shot and has a "high basketball IQ," according to the coach.
Gulizio, a point guard who demonstrated fine ball-handling skills, is an "incredible finisher," Agnello said. "He has great court vision and a good 15 foot jump shot. He's a true point guard." The coach called Reda a "good all-around player, excellent defender and great leader."
Cordero, Finley's "most improved" player, started the season with little experience, "but through hard work, became a vital part of our team and one of our best rebounders," Agnello said.
Finley finished the winter campaign on a high note and feeling good about the future. "It was a hardworking team that seemed to get better every game," Agnello said.