Tip-off: Samo’s starting five take the floor

After losing 14 seniors last year, the boys basketball team has come to form a new starting lineup; however, as Samo heads into Ocean League, the starters of the team are constantly changing. Through a rigorous preseason, five new starters have emerged.“Those five guys know how to play well together, and they each all bring something different to the table,” coach James Hecht said.Summer training, practices, tournaments and friendly games have prepared the team for the challenges ahead. The entire team is ready to move further into the heart of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). As captains, Jonah Mathews (’16), Nuwriyl Williams (’14), and Ray Mancini (’14) motivate and lead their team to success in the early games of league, it’s clear that the Vikings are becoming the solid and well-organized team that will be following the footsteps of last year’s CIF championship team.In comparison to more traditional formations, Samo plays a four-out, one-in motion offense, in which consists of four perimeter players and one post player. This formation allows the four guards to move onto the wings and corner spots of the perimeter of the court. However, with several of the unfortunate injuries that the Vikings have suffered including Chris Johnson’s (’14) hip flexor injury and Williams’ knee injury, the starting line formations have been forced to change throughout the game.However, the team owes its success to more than just its five starters. Several non-starters have had to step up to the plate and prove themselves, including Travis Fujita (’14), who stepped up as starter after Williams was injured. In the first game of league Fujita amazed the crowd as he came up with 19 points and played hard throughout the whole game.“We have several great players in this year’s team, one of them being Fujita, who has filled in admirably and has just done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” Hecht said.Ray Mancini (’14)Mancini fully embodies a leader. Not only is he captain but he is also one of the Vikings’ hardest workers both on and off the court.“I’m disadvantaged a lot by my size, and the only way I out-vantage people is by my will to keep fighting,” Mancini said.According to Hecht, Mancini is the heart and soul of the team. His unyielding determination to keep fighting until the end of the last buzzer is what will make Mancini one of the crucial players in this 2014 Ocean League.Chris Johnson (’14)As one of Samo’s most versatile players, Johnson knows how to handle the ball. He can attack the basket, shoot the tree and is one of the Vikings’ best offensive rebounders. Johnson is also entitled to take the ball out and call the out of bounds plays.“I like to think as myself as a player who does the little things to help my team win, such as getting offensive rebounds and rebounds in general or making extra passes to get the best shot for my team,” Johnson said.Mikhail Brown (’16)As the only forward on the team, Brown is expected to excel both defensively and offensively, as dominant rebounder on both sides of the court. Brown is a brick wall in the paint, stopping any potential layups or shots from coming in.“Mikhail knows how to use his body well; he’s one of our strongest players and he’s definitely a great rebounder,” Hecht said.Brown is also known as a driver and a finisher around the rim as well as a rebounder, and occasionally takes the open jump shot.Nuwriyl Williams (’15)While being a key player with some of the most experience on the team, Williams constantly pushes himself and the team forward. His responsibilities have been expanded even further as a captain, which makes him a vocal player at all times.“I always attack the rim hard, I can shoot and I’m a leader on the team, so I have to make sure that everyone on the team knows what they’re doing including myself,” Williams said.One of the team’s most experienced players, Williams knows what to expect in league, and will guide his team as it treads forward.Jonah Mathews (’16)Not only is Mathews one of the youngest players on the team, but he is also the youngest captain on the team.“I’m a way better shooter than anything else; however, my speed and court vision have also improved greatly, which will give me confidence to play hard at all times with my team,” Mathews said.From preseason to the first few games in league Mathews has proven himself by being the leading scorer on the team to also one of the most consistent players.