December 14, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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UCLA-bound senior Kyle Anderson is one of two returning starters for St. Anthony. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
| St. Anthony Friars Photo Gallery |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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It was only eight months ago when St. Anthony was crowned as the nation's No. 1 team. But while the images of that memorable 33-0 season are still fresh in the minds of many, but in the eyes of head coach Bob Hurley, its past history. With just two starters and few contributors from that team back, Hurley doesn't view this season as a title defense, but rather a quest for the many newcomers to make a name for themselves.
"We don't even look at that. Last year's last year," Hurley said. "That was fun, but that's gone.
"Those kids are going to have to go from being substitutes to having big roles."
Hurley and the Friars may have lost three starters in Myles Mack (Rutgers), Lucky Jones (Robert Morris) and Jordan Quick (C.W. Post) from last season's team, but he does return arguably the nation's top high school player in Kyle Anderson.
A First-Team All-State selection a year ago, there's little the UCLA-bound Anderson (14.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game) can't do on the court as he could see time at all five positions on the court. Anderson's skill set is so unique, even Hurley has admitted difficulty in truly maximizing all of his talent.
"He's still so unique it's hard to build a system to take advantage of what he does because he plays all five positions," Hurley said. "He's 6-foot-8, he's certainly big enough to play center in high school, but he's also as a ball-handler and passer he's as a good as you can find in high school. He rarely turns the ball over off the dribble. His decision-making is great."
Early on, Hurley expects to start Anderson at forward with the Friars employing a smaller lineup. Junior Hallice Cooke is a 6-foot-2 outside threat at one guard spot. Senior Tariq Carey and junior Josh Brown will also start and handle most of the point guard responsibilities. Carey, a transfer from Newark East Side, averaged 13.5 points per game last year. Brown, who is already committed to Temple, is a physical defender and is shifting to the point from the wing.
"He's worked extremely hard at becoming a point guard," Hurley said. "He plays as hard as anyone we have. We're really happy with the way he's come along."
Jerome Frink is a 3-year starter at forward, who averaged 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds a year ago. Hofstra-bound forward Jimmy Hall provides added length and help on the offensive glass and should see plenty of time when the Friars switch to a big lineup.
Six-foot-eight junior Kentrell Brooks provides added size off the bench along with junior swingmen Cody Jenkins and Tim Coleman. Sophomore Jordan Forehand is the backup point guard and Edon Molic adds shooting depth.
2011-12 St. Anthony |
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