A new season is reason for big steps -- and big dreams.
The New Westminster senior boys Hyacks basketball team is eager to make that jump a reality.
With a team well-balanced between Grade 11s and 12s, there's a realistic expectation to be in the playoff picture and a run to the Lower Mainlands. Beyond that? The B.C.s are within reason, said the coach.
"They are a very cohesive group that has been preparing for this season since last April," remarked Hyacks third-year co-coach Arno Richter. "We played spring and summer basketball and then started in late September to prepare for the season. (It's a) great group of kids."
Depth is a big part of the plan, and with 15 players, Richter feels therein lies the route to success.
"We build from defense out -- as our defense goes, so does our offence. We are guard heavy, with an excellent group of point and shooting guards. We are undersized, but that never stop us from beating bigger teams," said Richter, who shares the head coaching duties with Grade 9 coach Felix Gonzales.
Taking a lead role in the on-floor action are three key veterans: point guard Norman Manacsa, who's three-point game and ball-handling skills remain a key asset; small forward Luka Cuk, who plays a smart, efficient game; and Harman Sandhu. Sandhu's a versatile, skilled leader who has a calming influence with his teammates, Richter said.
New West kicked off the new season with a pair of exhibition wins, topping Argyle 72-45 and blasting Point Grey 75-33. On Wednesday they suffered their first setback, a 71-52 regular season loss to Triple-A ranked Byrne Creek. As a Quad-A school, Richter feels a schedule loaded with tough opponents like Burnaby South, Lord Byng, St. Georges and Yale will serve them best.
This weekend they roll into the Guildford Park tournament, and restart league play on Monday with a game at Alpha. Then comes the Bob Gair Classic, where the Hyacks open up the three-day tourney against Cambie on Wednesday, 2 p.m. at NWSS.
A Burnaby Central alumnus, Richter has seven years of coaching experience and feels this group is talented enough and gritty enough to take the next step.
"Our goal is the provincials. NWSS has not sent a senior team to the provincials in a long time and we truly feel that we have the horses this year. Time will tell, but this is the best (Hyacks boys) team in a very long time," he said.
