Molloy hopes youth pays off; St. Francis Prep rebuilds

Based on potential, Archbishop Molloy can be very good. How their talent transfers onto the court once the season begins is quite another thing.
The key is 6-foot-8 center Ashton Pankey, the first freshman to play varsity under legendary Coach Jack Curran, entering his 50th season, since Kenny Anderson. In 10 minutes a game last season, Pankey impressed. After an underwhelming preseason, though, he may find himself in an identical role.
“Ashton is going to be up and down; he’s too young, he’s 15,” Curran said. “He doesn’t really understand how hard it is. I don’t know if he can maintain his concentration for a full game.”
Curran is certain Russell Smith, his junior point guard, can. Coming off the bench last season, Smith has improved his jump shot and ball handling considerably. “He’s going to be a premier player,” Curran said.
Of course, Smith will need help from a handful of perimeter shooters, namely seniors Matt Grogan and Eslyn Hernandez and junior Ryan Dillon. Senior Mark Wnukowski, a 6-foot-6 forward, will also be counted on to help on the boards along with Grogan and Pankey.
There is no secret St. Francis Prep is rebuilding. Firstly, 6-foot-4 wing Mike Cavataio, the league’s second leading scorer, graduated. So did point guard Keith Nandin and six others. Secondly, two more contributors decided not to return. That leaves a lot of pressure on 6-foot-3 junior Robert Nacer.
“He’s going to have to get 15 points per game for us,” assistant coach Frank Fontanetta said.
The Terriers are counting on several inexperienced players, including senior guards James Kikel (a starting safety on the football team), Nick Mulero and sophomore Roger Harris. Senior Marc Manzo will start at center.
“In order for us to have any kind of success, these kids have to step up,” Fontanetta said. “We’re going to have teach the freshmen and sophomores. We’re learning how to scrap now. In order for us to be successful, we’re really going to have to slow the game down, make it look ugly, go after every loose ball, every rebound.”