Barrie boys go back into building mode

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006

by James Peters

Staff Writer

The Mustangs (18-11 a year ago) won their first 11 PVAC games last winter en route to the league’s North Division title and a top seed in the tournament. But a 42-38 loss to eventual champion Grace Brethren in the semifinals denied them the conference crown.

A repeat performance will be difficult, however, as Mitchell lost four starters, three to graduation and one to transfer, meaning Barrie will be in a rebuilding mode again.

‘‘We have four seniors, one junior and a combination of nine freshmen and sophomores,” Mitchell said. ‘‘We’ll be depending on a lot of youngsters to fill the gaps. They have an opportunity to compete and gain quality time and experience at the varsity level.”

Looking to keep Barrie competitive in the North Division against county foes Sandy Spring Friends, McLean, Jewish Day, Hebrew Academy and Covenant Life will be seniors Eric White (6-foot), Adam Sachs (6-2, center), Michael Band (6-1, guard⁄forward) and Jeremy Bhatia (6-1, forward). White averaged roughly 12 points and four assists a game last year and is the team’s lone returning starter, but he could find himself sliding to the shooting guard position after running the team from the point guard position.

The emergence of junior point guard Adrian Masone (5-10) could precipitate that change. ‘‘He’s had a limited experience up until now,” Mitchell said, ‘‘but he’ll assume a leadership role at point guard.”

Bolstering this year’s squad will be top newcomers Bobby Yancey, a 5-11 guard, and Robert Finkel, a 6-1 sophomore forward.

‘‘These two kids are two of our better athletes,” Mitchell said. ‘‘I just want them to fill the gaps. I just hope they can step up and learn. I think as the season goes on it will be a tale of two teams. Definitely in January, we’ll be better than we are in December. We’ll be a little more stable. Hopefully, we’ll be in the race at the end.”

Barrie opened the season with a split against Glenelg Country Day School and The Heights at the early-season Barrie Tip-off Tournament.