A well defended Dane Schutter (23) takes a shot in the lane for Wyoming Area in this file photo. Schutter, a 6-foot-4 forward who already will be a third-year starter as a junior.
Sunday Dispatch file photo
WILKES-BARRE — Anthony Macario has many reasons to be optimistic going into the Wyoming Area boys basketball season.
The Warriors return first-team, all-star Dane Schutter, a 6-foot-4 forward who already will be a third-year starter as a junior, and they have three other players with starting experience.
But, one of the most encouraging signs for Macario is the development of the players behind them.
“One of the nice things that we have that has been rare for us up to this point is some depth,” Macario told writers and fellow coaches during the Nov. 27 Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches Press Conference at Patte’s Sports Bar. “I feel pretty confident that I have eight or nine guys that I can go to and be able to play in a game.”
Schutter is part of a strong and deep junior class and a less-experienced senior class could be a part in developing that greater depth.
“Our team runs through Dane Schutter,” Macario said. “Dane really broke out last year, had a great season and was a first-team all-star.
“We’re looking for him to carry the load for our team this year.”
Schutter is a proven scorer, but also hopes to lead the Warriors in other areas.
“This year, we’ve got to really focus on defense and rebounding the ball, which is where we really struggled last year,” he said during Coaches vs. Cancer Media Day in Scranton.
Tyler Sciandra, a 6-2 junior center who Macario praises for his toughness, is the other full-time starter returning.
Senior Matt Little and sophomore Lukas Burakewicz each have some starting experience in the backcourt.
Little is an effective shooter.
Burakewicz will be counted on to address the key task of taking over at point guard.
“The main guy that we’ve lost from last year was Evan Melberger, our three-year point guard,” Macario said. “He’ll be very difficult to replace both from a numbers standpoint and a leadership standpoint.”
The Warriors won eight games last season and would need a 50-percent increase in victories to become a winning team.
“We definitely would like to get over .500 in winning percentage,” Little said.
Senior Dylan Petrucci and junior Brady Noone both have some experience at forward.
Noone has been voted team captain and is likely to be the fifth starter.
“I’m looking to play a good defensive role and really help the team out in getting some stops,” Noone said.
Petrucci is ready to lead the bench crew by trying to add versatility.
“I just want to do my role,” he said. “If they need a 3, I’m the guy. If they need a mid-range, I’m the guy.
“If they need a guy to come in and get rebounds, I can do it for them.”
Matt Rusinchak, a sophomore guard, also is expected to figure prominently into the rotation.
At 6-5, Macario expects Skyler Pierce to serve as a rim protector.
Soccer goalie Trevor Kruszka, a junior guard/forward, has earned a spot in the rotation.
Max Jardon, an exchange student from Belgium is on the long road back from reconstructive knee surgery and not fully cleared yet, but may be able to help the team inside after the New Year.
