Rocky Point Boys Basketball Hopes For Playoff Run

's boys basketball team comes off a tough 2009-2010 season, in which it recorded just three wins for the entire year. But with a larger squad this year, the team is looking for a playoff run and believes it can beat any team in the league.

Head Coach: Jim Jordan

Home Venue: Rocky Point High School Gymnasium

Record Last Year: 3-15, 1-13 League V

Starting Lineup:

• Steven Soltysik, Junior, Forward/Guard, 6'2

• Kodi Lubkeman, Senior, Forward, 6'4

• Joe Bloom, Senior, Point Guard, 5'9

• Jon Popko, Junior, Guard, 6'0

• Andreas Vouliakis, Sophomore, Center, 6'8

Key Losses:

The Eagles lose Vincent Palumbo, who was one of the top players in Suffolk County in three-point shots, as well as a few key senior guards. The team will have to turn to some less-experienced players this season, but have an overall bigger and deeper team.

"Last year many teams keyed on Palumbo, our main scorer, which hurt us at times," Jordan said. "This year I don't think anyone can worry about one particular guy. We're about eight deep right now that are capable of scoring."

Expectations: Though losing a top scorer after a three-win season doesn't usually bring much excitement to the team the following year, that's not the case for the Eagles. With Vouliakis' 6'8 frame at center, a new senior point guard in Bloom, talented scorers and rebounders Soltyisk and Lubkeman standing at 6'2 and 6'4, respectively, and this year's deeper bench, the Eagles said they'll be disappointed without a playoff run.

"We have to get to the foul line and back to the basket and not just live on jump shots," Jordan said. "Our first game this season we hit 12 threes and while it's great that we hit 12, you can't live and die by the three and we've been talking about that. We have a bigger team than last year and Andreas has more experience now, so we have to get the ball inside, which will open up the outside for us."

From The Players:

Kodi Lubkeman 

"I think we're going to make playoffs. We need to win six games and I think we'll be able to do that. It's all about defense and getting our rebounds. Personally I want to get better and make my team better."

Steven Soltysik

"We can beat pretty much any team in our league, we just have to play hard. If we rebound and box out, we should be in pretty good shape. Our offense can't rely on the three, we have to drive and get to the foul line. As a team we should definitely make the playoffs and if we don't, it'll be a disappointment."

 Key Games:

• vs. Kings Park (12/21)
• vs. Miller Place (1/6)
• vs. Sayville (1/14)
• @ Kings Park (1/27)
• @ Miller Place (2/3)
• @ Sayville (2/11)
• @ Eastport-South Manor (2/15)

The Final Word:

"Our league is very tough and every game is going to be hard. If we play poorly with a lack of intensity, we'll lose. But if we can compete on the backboard and force more turnovers than we commit, then we can beat most teams. We have to get to six [wins] to make the playoffs. It's a tough task in our league, but I like our chances."