Solanco's new boys basketball coach is a familiar face around the Southern End. Scott Long is in his first year as an assistant principal at Solanco High after working as a physical education teacher at Smith Middle School for three years. Long, who spent the past five seasons coaching Penn Manor's girls basketball team, replaced longtime Mules coach Bill Moore. Long likes the talent and depth on the roster he has inherited. Senior guard Desmond Kreider is a returning starter. "Des is a nice all-around player," said Long. "He plays defense. He passes the ball."
The coach has high expectations for senior guards Taylor Dombach and Will Constein. "Both are good defensive players," said Long. "They have high energy and are great athletes. Both will be key contributors." Dylan Hastings, a 6-9 forward, will be a force for the Mules. "Dylan is our most effective player," said Long. "He has a unique skill set. He can do a lot. He can score inside and also has a nice shot. He's a good defensive player. He really impacts both sides of the floor." Two transfers will play key roles in the frontcourt. Luis Alvarez, a 6-4 forward, comes to Solanco from Allentown. "He is a strong kid with a high basketball IQ," Long said. Mike Figueroa, a 6-2 forward from Pequea Valley, "is a big, strong kid who will help us," said Long. "We have 10 players any five of whom could be our best or at least have a big impact," said Long. "The team has put a lot of time in both in the weight room and on the court. But from my experiences, you never know what you're going to get from kids until you see them in games." Senior guards Derek Lavin, Troy Miller, and Keith Carnrike and juniors Colin Kilgore and Robbie McHugh are competing for playing time. Senior Matt Haldemen made the team after being cut in his first three attempts. "Matt is a good program kid," said Long. "He is a hard worker who has attended every practice and workout. He's a good guy to have on the team." Sophomores Aaron Constein and Jon Rush will see action on JV and on the varsity. "They are very, very talented," said Long. "We're going to move them along slowly. They have the potential to earn significant varsity minutes." Long says Conestoga Valley is the team to beat in Section Two. The reigning champion Buckskins return all of its top players. "To be able to compete with CV we need to play our best basketball," he said. "We're going to have to improve our ability to value every possession. We have spurts that are great but then we turn the ball over three or four straight times. We've got to fine-tune some things." Comments are closed.
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