With experience and size in the backcourt, Pittston Area’s guard may be asked to help an inexperienced frontcourt.
Alex McAndrew, a four-year player who was the team’s point guard before a season-ending knee injury, is back along with Matt McGlynn, the team’s top 3-point shooter.
“We may mix and match quite a bit,” Patriots coach Alan Kiesinger said. “Alex and Matt are two guys, who are about 6-2 and have guard skills.
“On a particular night, they could find themselves guard a 4 or 5 (post player), but still playing 1 or 2 (guard) on offense.”
Kiesinger said McAndrew has been cleared for his return from reconstructive surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but his effectiveness remains to be seen and his minutes could be limited, particularly early in the season.
Brennan Higgins is a point guard.
“His playing time went up after Alex’s injury,” Kiesinger said. “We’re pretty comfortable with him handling the ball.”
If Higgins is at point guard, McAndrew could join McGlynn at shooting guards.
Senior forward Keemar Woodruff and senior guard Naseem Guillaume each started much of last season.
Seniors Kolton Zaffuto and Trevor Tigue also have experience at guard.
Brian Miller, a 6-4 senior who saw some time last season, could be in the post.
Sophomore Andrew Krawczyk, who has limited varsity experience is another option in the frontcourt.
“The concern is going to be the lack of experience in our frontcourt,” Kiesinger said.
Junior Sevion Leak could fit into the plans at guard.
Pittston Area was 3-13 to finish fifth of six teams in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 last season and finished 6-17, ending in a first-round loss in the District 2 Class 5A tournament.
