March, 1996 |
Barry McLeod has Basketball Team Right Back in the Chase
By Timothy Graves and Laurian Gray
Bouncing back from last year's washout, Coach Barry McLeod has led the Boys Basketball team back into the state tournament.
"We're competitive in every game. We were inferior last year because we were so young, but this year the team is stronger. It is a lot more enjoyable coming to the game knowing you can compete," said McLeod. "Richard Ijeh has been consistent and Joe Fountain has been our leading scorer and rebounder," he added.
Anderson Perry has been a strong contributor at the big forward position and may have hit the shot which changed the fortunes of the Hilltoppers. Down three in the waning seconds of a game, Perry set a screen to free Ijeh, Central's best outside shooter, for a shot at tying the game. Ijeh balked at taking the shot and kicked the ball to Perry who was forced to shoot despite not being a three point threat. He missed badly but Joe Fountain tapped the rebound back out to Perry, and he banked home his second attempt from behind the arc, tying the game at the buzzer. Central won in overtime and has since played with more confidence.
The team has improved since last season with highlights including victories over McMahon, Wilton, Darien, Staples and a bigwin over Bassick.
One of the Hilltoppers' brightest young talents, freshman guard Terrell Taylor, has really stepped up for the confused team. Taylor has been the brightest light among a promising group of young newcomers to the squad. Averaging over twenty points for Coach Jeff D'Orio's junior varsity team, Taylor has earned considerable time in the varsity lineup. He makes mistakes because he's young but he's a very aggressive defensive player and an excellent shooter.
"The competition is more of a challenge and my game has improved. I am getting smarter on defense and offense. We could do a lot better, but we've improved," said Taylor who has experience playing AAU for the Stamford Express. "Before I graduate I hope we can win a state championship and I hope I can get a scholarship to a Division I school," said the freshman. Talking about Coach McLeod, Taylor commented, "On the court he's nothing but business, like any other coach, but off the court he jokes around with you."
Another talented freshman is Reggie Graves, who was big player for Dunbar. Although not very quick, he is very strong and has a good jumpshot. He also has unusually skillful low post moves for such a young player. "He has Kevin McHale moves in the low post," observed Media instructor Anthony Pijar. "I study my game. I have a Red Auerbach instructional tape which helped me develop my moves," explained Graves.
Graves needs to cut down on snacking and play better defense for him to be fully effective, but he and the Hilltoppers have a bright future.
For them to have any chance in the tournament they must play as a team and the older players must be assertive. Among veterans Fountain, Perry, and Ijeh, Central must find one true leader on a team of young stars.
