West looking for continued progression

By Matt Metcalf
Posted 12/7/16

The Cranston West boys' basketball program has been progressing under Head Coach John Macera over the last two seasons, and he's hoping that his Falcons will take another step forward this year. West won two games in

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West looking for continued progression

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The Cranston West boys’ basketball program has been progressing under Head Coach John Macera over the last two seasons, and he’s hoping that his Falcons will take another step forward this year.

West won two games in Division I two seasons ago during Macera’s first year on the bench, and it followed that up with a three-win campaign last winter.

Macera acknowledged that his team is still working to get to where it eventually wants to be, but he’s confident that it can encounter success more frequently with the group he has this season.

“We’re still working on rebuilding the program in year three,” Macera said. “We’re encouraged with the group of five seniors and a group of juniors that is working hard.”

Macera will have a different look alongside him on the bench this year, as last year’s assistant coach, Isaiah McDaniel, departed to take the head coach position at East.

For Macera, it was tough to see McDaniel go, but he’s certain that McDaniel will do great things with the East program.

“It was sad to see him go, it’s going to be a big void,” Macera said of losing McDaniel. “But, when the opportunity arose, I was one of the first ones to say ‘You better go for it.’ I’m happy for him. I think he’ll do a great job over there.”

Filling the spot left by McDaniel will be Evan Lancer, a teacher at West who Macera called a “Longtime basketball junky.”

Macera is excited about bringing Lancer aboard.

“He’s a young guy with a lot of energy,” Macera said of Lancer.

Also assisting Macera this season will be Steven Rush, Gary Bucci and Chris Hopkins, three individuals who are familiar with the program.

The staff will bring back a strong nucleus of players led by senior forward Brett Bucci.

Bucci has been a key contributor as a sophomore and junior, and will serve as a focal point for the Falcons on and off the court.

“Brett will definitely be a key component to the team this year,” Macera said. “We’re going to be looking to him for leadership.”

Steve Piscopiello, West’s returning starter at point guard, will also serve as West’s floor general, while fellow seniors Steve Rocchio and Chris Manfredo will also log big minutes at guard.

Kevin Mitchell is another senior that will contribute, providing experience and size down low for the Falcons.

Out of the junior class, Will Such and Brett Traficante figure to play key rolls.

Both players will add to the team’s depth that it possesses down low, as Such will serve as West’s center.

The Falcons will undoubtedly try to take advantage of their size in the paint.

“We’re certainly pleased with our size,” Macera said. “We’re going to be looking to surround that with high percentage shots from the outside.”

Steady progression is key for the Falcons, and they feel like they can take their game to the next level and be competitive amid the state’s top teams.

The expectation hasn’t changed from last season. West believes that it can make a push for the playoffs.

“We’re looking to improve off last year and evolve,” Macera said. “Our primary goal and expectation is to make the playoffs.”

West will get its season underway tonight with an injury fund game against East Greenwich. It will then host Division II Cumberland on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

The Falcons’ first league game will be played on Wednesday at 7 p.m. when they host St. Ray’s.

“We’re looking forward to getting it going,” Macera said.

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