SJV boys are not the same old Lancers team
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer

The new look St. John Vianney High School basketball team opened its campaign with a solid 74-59 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven in a Shore Conference Class A Central division game.

The Lancers dictated the pace and attempted plenty of three-pointers — 17 in the first half alone — and played pressure defense throughout the contest. Senior center Eric Johannesen led the way with 22 points, including four treys. SJV shot poorly in the first half, but still went into the intermission with a five-point lead before pulling away in the third quarter.

SJV’s performance was a clear contrast to the patient ball-control style and match-up zone defense the Lancers used last winter en route to a 23-5 record and a trip to the semifinals of the NJSIAA Parochial A playoffs and the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference tourney.

Of course, SJV did have 6-8 Matt Mullery in the middle and he averaged nearly 23 points per game.

“We played to our strength last year and that was Matt Mullery,” coach David Emery said. “This year we’ve completely switched gears and it’s better for this year’s team because our strengths are different now. Everything is different right down to our pre-game warm-up.”

Johannesen, who averaged 11 points a year ago, has emerged as the go-to guy for the Lancers. The senior center and co-captain can go to the hoop and his excellent touch makes him a threat anywhere in the offensive zone. At 6-5, he can also play a half-court game if necessary.

Guards Mike Spinelli and Billy Facchino are returnees from last year’s squad. Spinelli averaged 6.6 points and is a threat from three-point range, Facchino, who was the Lancers sixth man, moves into the starting line-up where his speed and in-your-face defensive style fits perfectly with the running game Emery employs.

Point guard Tony Ganter, a junior, moves up from the junior varsity as does 6-5 center/forward Dennis McNamara. Billy Riordan and juniors Carl Durand and Pat Tynion have also moved up to the varsity. Two sophomores forward Steve Zrowka and point guard Marc Teel, round out the roster.

“Everyone is going to play because we have to maintain our defensive intensity because there will be nights when we don’t shoot well like the Rumson-Fair Haven game,” Emery explained. “We want to defend against every pass and every shot and force our opponents into making bad decisions.”

Offensively, Emery wants his team to take a minimum of 25 three-point attempts per game. When the press is working, that should produce plenty of lay-up opportunities.

“In some ways you could say we’re going to live by the three-pointer, but I think our defense will really be the key,” the coach said. “With our depth, we can maintain a high pace four quarters. The key, though, is that the guys have to work hard whenever they’re on the floor. That kind of defense really helps the offense, especially on those nights when you’re not hitting the outside shots.”

The Lancers were set to host Red Bank Catholic in another conference game on Monday and will visit Manasquan tomorrow. During the break SJV will again host its annual Bayshore Holiday Tournament. In addition to the Lancers, this year’s field includes Holmdel, Matawan, Mater Dei, Middletown North, Middletown South, Rumson-Fair Haven and Shore Regional. Emery’s team has won the tourney two of the last three years.