“I want to win everything,” senior Sam Sponheimer told The Fanscotian.
A winning mindset is one key factor that can propel the Raiders to success, no matter what type of situation they are in. While the 22-23 ended in a loss, SPF could only look ahead to the offseason, where they would get bigger, stronger and better.
After a successful season with a record of 16-10, the Raiders made a victorious postseason run, going the farthest they had been in five years. SPF hopes to build on this triumphant season, and will need the help of some of their returning players to do so.
“We are hopeful that the returning varsity players all step up their games and contribute to larger roles this season,” head coach Steven Siracusa said. “We also have some promising underclassmen that we are excited to see what they can do on the varsity stage. ”
The likes of seniors Sam Sponheimer, Jaden Carpien, Anderson Pollack and Kyle Hunter will all have increased roles this season, where they will try to man the backcourt. Their increased roles are due to the graduation of six members of the team from last year.
“It will definitely be tough to replace our seniors from last year, especially Matt Nervi and Khadar Jackson. Their offensive scoring, team first attitude, and leadership will be something our returning players could hopefully fill,” Siracusa said.
Nervi and Jackson averaged a combined 29 points last year, usually around half of the Raiders points, that will have to be replaced if SPF wants to have a good year. This should not be a problem though, as Sponheimer averaged six and Carpien averaged eight in limited roles last season.
Hunter and Pollack will be thrust into a more prominent role on this team, and will have to adjust accordingly. They aren’t alone though, as the majority of the Raider’s are lacking in varsity experience in big moments. Luckily, Sponheimer has been in the spotlight since his sophomore year, and will try and help assimilate his newer teammates to the bright lights.
“The seniors [from past years] on the team showed me the ropes and really supported me and that is what I hope to do with all the new guys this year,” Sponheimer said.
Seniors Jack Wall and Sean Saggio will be the main men in the front court, grabbing rebounds and setting screens. SPF has not had a tall and lengthy center in past years but a shorter-than-average, gritty player, who will try and annoy the opposing big man. No matter who plays the position, it will only be a small part of this upperclassmen-heavy team.
“We are a super fast and skilled team. We have the best guards in the conference and are right there on top of the county,” Sponheimer said. “We can play with any team even with our lack of size and can win almost any game.”
The Raiders have a deep bench that will definitely help them down the stretch if they encounter injuries. When in tough games, it is important to have reliable players that can step up and give you an extra boost to win.
SPF will open the regular season at Cranford on Dec. 14, where they will begin what they hope is a season of glory.
“Last year we finally won the conference and we definitely should again. I really want to make a big run in states since most of our team is returning this year,” Sponheimer said.
