The Walpole Youth Basketball Association High School Rec Basketball League is back in action this weekend with both players and spectators alike eager to return to the court.  It has been a long year since last season, and although some talented players have moved on to college, young freshmen have entered the arena eager to make a name for themselves and fill the void left by those who came before them.  There has never been a season to rival the level of competition in The League this year—with every team chomping at the bit to prove themselves as the ones to be reckoned with.

Led by coach Coleman Nee, the Lakers look to follow up last season’s championship victory with another year of league dominance.  Seasoned vet and expert guard Mike Rando commands the court as a sharpshooter from the three-point line with an uncanny ability for racking up the steals. The WHS senior can also beat you off the dribble with his speed; however, one player does not make a team in basketball.  Rando’s supporting cast features two key players from last year’s championship-winning roster—senior Chris Nee and junior Steve Phelan.  Experienced Rec players in their own right, both Nee and Phelan know what it takes to win and will provide excellent scoring options for Coleman Nee’s Lakers.

Another team that has some serious potential this season certainly has to be Brendan Croak’s Nets.  Croak, along with the newest addition to his coaching tree, Nolan Murray (who is missing this season due to a back injury), has acquired several talented young freshman this season to compliment junior stars Colin Murray and Jimmy Smith Jr.  Hopefully under the guidance and tutelage of Croak and Nolan Murray, rookies Andrew Ciechanowski, Nate Porack, and Joe Smith will develop into Rec League All-Stars.

These are just two of many teams that will certainly challenge for this year’s championship.  Squads like Greg Zanello’s Knicks and their star player Tom “The Dark Knight” Demarais, Carl Plaut’s Sonics and their stars Brad Webber and Bill Rockwood definitely make a case for top dog at this point.  Then there are Joe Weinacht’s Spurs and Kevin Mardis’ Wizards with their former WHS varsity players Mike Cabral and Zack Rogers who will attempt to bring that varsity-level intensity to The League.  At this point, no one has proven anything yet, so only time will tell who really means business.

Check in for the first Power Rankings of the season next week after opening day.