December 16, 2011

Junior point guard Kavon Stewart is one of five returning starters for Hudson Catholic. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Hudson Catholic Hawks Photo Gallery

Hudson Catholic is well aware of the expectations. With all five starters back and a couple of key additions to last year's 22-win team, the bar has been understandably set high.

But for a Hawks squad loaded with Division 1 talent and widely considered among the top five teams in the state, the key has been to avoid the pitfalls that can come with such hype and pressure.

"I think the kids have done a really good job of trying to stay humble and not worry about the expectations," head coach Nick Mariniello said. "We have expectations as a program. I know what my expectations are for my team and what we need to do to be successful."

On paper at least, Hudson Catholic appears to have all the traits of an elite team. In particular the junior quintet of Reggie Cameron, Travis Flagg, Rakwan Kelly, Kavon Stewart and Mike Young is one of the best around.

The 6-foot-7 Cameron was a First Team All-County selection thanks to a smooth outside shot which produced 19 points and 10 rebounds per game a season ago. Despite those impressive credentials, Mariniello felt his star forward was the most improved player over the offseason.

"I think because he's maturing as a young man, it's helping his game and understanding of the game," Mariniello said. "He's probably got the highest basketball IQ in the program, He's an off-the-charts good passer, he does a lot of other things other than score to make us win. I really liked his progression over the summer. I think you're going to see a different player in Reggie. A more complete player."

Cameron may be the Hawks' top scorer, but if there's a true heart and soul of the team it's Kelly. The 6-foot-4 wing is a three-year starter and has been a team captain since his freshman year.

"Him being on the floor with all the dirty work he does (is vital)," said Mariniello. "He rebounds, he scores the basketball, he always gets the toughest matchup defensively. We're a different team with him off the floor so he has to be on the floor for us. He's probably the most important guy for us in the program because of all the intangibles he does. He sacrifices a lot of his game for the betterment of the team."

Stewart and Flagg are both very capable point guards who work well together in the backcourt. Young is the big addition for Hudson Catholic. A 6-foot-9 forward, Young can run the floor and will ease the pressure off of Cameron and the rest of the lineup.

Iona-bound senior Grant Ellis may come off the bench to begin the season, but should see plenty of starts at guard depending on matchups. The versatility allows Mariniello to mix and match on any given occasion.

"I think we're deeper. I think we can play various different matchups," Mariniello said." We can go big or you can go (small). You can play different ways. We're trying to do some different things to expand what we do offensively and what we do defensively."

Freshman Nassir Barrino is an electrifying guard who will provide a spark off the bench. High-flying senior Marc Wilson and guards Jesse Jones and Kyle McLeggan will also provide quality minutes in reserve.

2011-12 Hudson Catholic
Rakwan Kelly	2010/2011: 22-6 County Playoffs: First Round: vs Snyder 84-40 (W) Quarterfinals: vs Hoboken 66-48 (W) Semifinals: vs Marist 62-56 (L) State Playoffs: (Non-Public, North B) First Round: vs Immac. Conception 80-46 (W) Quarterfinals: at St. Anthony 68-35 (L)   Projected Starting Lineup (*RS) PG Kavon Stewart* 5'11" JR G Travis Flagg* 5'10" JR G/F Rakwan Kelly* 6'4" JR F Reggie Cameron* 6'7" JR F Mike Young 6'9" JR Key Reserves G Grant Ellis* 6'5" SR G Nassir Barrino 6'0" FR F Marc Wilson 6'2" SR G Jesse Jones 5'10" SR G Kyle McLeggan 6'1" JR