MIAA Team to know part 4

Justin Feinberg

February 18, 2022 @ 02:36 PM

Here in part 4 of MIAA Teams to know, we look at another team that could make a run in the state tournament. Needham (13-5) Needham is always a high level team. They play in the very competitive Bay State league. Needham is very well coached. They run a lot of good sets, they play up tempo on offense, and like to change up the defenses a lot. Needham is one team that likes to plays zone. They traditionally play a tough 1-3-1 half court trap, and that has continued this year. This years team has a lot of talented players. They have a good mix of senior leadership, and also talented underclassman. They have good big man, and guards who can get out and run. One of the impact players for the team is Sophomore guard/forward, 6-5 Sam Hughes. Sam is a player who does a little bit of everything, and can impact the game in many ways. Sam has guard skills, and can get to the rim with ease. In one of his first varsity starts at home, his first play was a spin move, and then dunk. Sam also can play down low, and can matchup on defense with positions 1-5. Sophomore lefty guard Jackson Shaw. Jackson is showing his leadership in just his sophomore season. He is quick off the dribble, and can creat his own shot. Senior Captain Derek Kline. A skilled guard, who can run the point, sees the floor well, gets his teammates involved, and has a good soft shooting touch. Junior Forward Noah Goldstien. Noah is a lockdown defender, and an athletic player. 6-5 Junior Forward Henry Bickford. Henry is an impact player. He can stretch the floor with his guard skills and shooting. He also has a strong inside presence, and can play above the rim. Senior Forward Captain Kevin Coopinger, A versatile forward, with a good skill set. He shoots the ball well, and has a good inside out game. Senior Captain Guard John Hood. A guard, who takes care of the ball, and has a high basketball IQ. He is a good all around player, and scorer. Senior Forward 6-4 Jay Kastantin. He is a forward who can play out on the wing, and moves well without the ball. Also other key contributors this season are senior Nolan Leary, a good shooter, and playmaker. Jason Gould, Ryan Healey, CJ Hutchinson, and Chris Camozzi, Brian Cloonan, and Casey Dellamarggio.