Mustangs Set to Build on Success
The Mustang men get ready for the new season.
The memories of the 2009 United States Collegiate Athletic Association tournament are still fresh in the mind of CM Athletic Director and men’s hoop coach Dave Gonyea. With a 20-8 record earning them an at-large bid, the Mustangs ended a three year drought with their first national tournament appearance since the 2004-05 campaign. They compiled a 2-2 record and left Western Pennsylvania with the same ranking they arrived with – seventh in the nation.
With four returning starters, a deep bench and a focus on defense, Gonyea is confident the Mustangs can make it back to the Keystone State. “Last year we were happy to be there,” he said. “Now it’s time to go back and win games.”
The depth of the Mustangs bench will be put to the test early as point guard Matt Sceviour nurses an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined 2-4 weeks. 2008-09 USCAA All-American and YSCC All-Conference forward Tyler Smithgall remains the focal point of the Mustang attack while his Yankee All-Conference teammate Cam Angell is a constant scoring threat regardless of his position on the court.
A stronger, leaner Matt “Cheeks” Lyons returns to provide some muscle in the middle as does Josh “Bear” Levasseur. Look for much-improved play from Arsenio Santamaria, who came on strong late last season along with Kyle Goncalves, Ilunga “Tuffy” Mutombo and three-point threats Brennen Morton and Bronson Drewry.
New faces include point guard Eric Goodwin of Gardiner. Gonyea’s top recruit will most likely see starting time until Sceviour returns. Mark Truss (Pleasantville, NJ) and Nick Hinckley (Wiscasset) will help shore up a new defensive scheme that Gonyea has been working on since the bus ride home from Pennsylvania in March.
Forward Dan Jameison (Biddeford) will look to add spark to the offense while Devon Veilleux (Erskine) and Ross Caron (Mt. View), both out with an Achilles injuries, add backcourt depth. Mark Hannington (Schenk) brings a wealth of experience and solid play in the paint.
The 2009-10 schedule would certainly appear to work in the Mustangs’ favor. They won’t hit the road until Dec. 3 and Kirk Hall Gymnasium plays host to this year’s Yankee Final Four. Opening tip for the new season begins this week with alumni games on Thursday and the Can-Am Tournament on Saturday and Sunday. See you at the gym!