Varsity Boys Basketball
After reaching the NEPSAC finals during their first season competing in class “B”, Marianapolis Prep made it to the championship game in the2007-2008 season. Head Coach Dave Vitale’s squad has a combination of backcourt talent and frontcourt depth. Corey Wright Jr. will have the ball again this year as the starting point guard spot. He will be surrounded by 6’5” senior swingman Toso Adebamowo, 6’4” as well as notable newcomers. Adebamowo is a scholarship-level talent who shows consistent three-point range, good athleticism, and an ability to get to the rim off the dribble. While the backcourt is full of talent, the frontcourt is full of depth, each bringing something a little different to the interior spots. When you combine their super talented backcourt with their extremely deep and versatile front court, it is easy to see why Marianapolis will be one of the teams to beat again this year in Class B.
Depth of talent with six new players gave Marianapolis the strongest team Coach Dave Vitale has seen in the 4 years he’s been coaching here. “Having strong players meant it wasn’t a one-or two man show, and the team was able to withstand injury and just wear the other teams down,” comments Vitale.The team had an exciting season with 24 wins and 6 losses total, going into the playoffs seeded #2. They beat a very determined Deerfield Academy in the quarterfinals, and toppled Salisbury School in the Semi-Finals, sealing their spot in the championship game. This was the third con-secutive year the team has made it to the Championship round in their NEPSAC Division, two years ago winning the championship in Division D, and last year losing the Class B title by a last minute shot at the buzzer. This year’s championship was also a nail-biter. Marianapolis had split during the season with Tilton, with a final score of 73-62. The bottom-line, says Vitale, is he is “very, very proud of the effort the players made in the championship game and all season. We were right there with 2 minutes to go and a couple of bounces of the ball didn’t go our way. I couldn’t ask for anything more out of this hard working high character team.”Vitale counts one of the season’s landmark games the win against Class A Winchendon-ranked 20th in the country-in early December. “We only had only 7 losses this season, so I feel we took care of our end. And these losses were not against inferior teams.” “This team was the best team collectively we’ve had in 4 years, top to bottom,” Vitale reiterates, explaining they had good chemistry, were hard workers, and had good character. He looks forward to next year, when returning players Ryan Lehane, Toso Adebamowo, Corey Wright and Ruben Cabrera will anchor another exciting season.
Schedule & Game Results
Media Coverage of 2008-2009 Season:
"Prep School Boys Basketball: Golden Knights hope third time a charm" Norwich Bulletin by Mark Allard, Sports Editor
"H.S. Boys Basketball: Prep Preview Capsules," Norwich Bulletin, December 8, 2008
"Marianapolis Finishes Off Strong Weekend," Norwich Bulletin, December 7, 2008
"Ron Coderre: Marianapolis basketball has tools for another deep run," Norwich Bulletin by Ron Coderre, December 6, 2008
"Ron Coderre: Marianapolis graduates thrive at next level," Norwich Bulletin by Ron Coderre, December 13, 2009
Varsity Girls Basketball
The Golden Knights look to improve on last year's 9-14 (6-9 League) record. Experience shouldn't be a factor as the team returns six seniors. Leading scorer and rebounder Shannon Cain will look for scoring help from co-captains Marissa Siedzik and Vicki Dabrowski. Forward Annie Castronovo and Guard Taylor White will also add scoring punch, while Emily Roto will direct the offense from the Point Guard slot. This year's version of the Golden Knights hopes to both contend in the highly competitive SENE and make their first-ever NEPSAC Playoff appearance
Coach Ed Dabrowski can be emailed at edabrow@commerceinsurance.com
Schedule & Game Results