The Men’s Varsity Basketball Team begins their season with high hopes of winning the conference.

Junior Michael Favazzo, a varsity player of three years, has three aspects in mind to meet their goal.

Favazzo said, “Listening to the coach is always the key. Building off team leadership and becoming an individual leader will really help us.”

Along with Favazzo is senior Neshawn Brown. Brown is expected to be a starter this year and wants the team to work hard to achieve a quality season.

Brown said, “Always, always work hard. We need to listen to the coach because the little things are crucial and fundamental. Most importantly, have fun with it.”

With a bigger goal in mind from last year, the players and coaches added small details to help the team.

Favazzo said, “Not much has changed. Coach is just looking for more tempo. We have a lot of good guys that are close to each other so coach doesn’t want to mess with the relationship aspects. We are here to improve our record, have fun, and play together as a team.”

Bob Pasci returns as head coach for the second year.

Pasci said, “Last year we took it to the last game of the season being in our conference race and it did not end well but the fact that we made it that far, was rewarding to me as a coach. I hope to make my team more united to make it through conferences.”

Senior Julius Vann, starting guard on the team, also hopes to get the WRC title.

Vann said, “We would like to win more playoff games than we did last year. Winning the conference would be a major boost of confidence for our team.”

Favazzo recognizes that finding ways to change the team as a whole will hopefully push them further into the conference.

With the desire to win conference, the players and coaches are confident in their teammates.

Pasci said, “Everyone brings a lot of different things to the table. We have players that are extremely good shooters along with the rest of the team that rebound well. If we can play as a team and have a good work ethic than I think we are going to be successful.”

Brown said that Pasci pushes him and his teammates hard. “Coach comes in with intensity and that pushes me to work hard giving the motivation for my teammates as well to push themselves. The motivation will get us there. I know that,” he said.

The leadership that goes into the talent of the team also has a major part in the success.

Favazzo said “Our leadership this year helps bring the guys closer as a family not just as a team. Last year was our first time with a new coach and now we can build off of what we learned and bring that talent to the court.”

Name: Michael Favazzo (Mike Fazz) #1

Age: 16

City: Mayfield Heights

• Favazzo has played on the team for three years.

• He looks forward to winning.

Favorite Professional team: Cleveland Cavaliers

• Michael has contributed to his team by passing and handling the ball.
• He predicts to have an undefeated season.
• Favazzo will step up by being a leader.
• Michael has learned to be a better attacker.
• He thinks the team is better at pushing the ball

Role: Leader of the team

• When he gets older he wants to be an Engineer.

 

Name: Neshawn Brown (Billy) #100

Age: 18

City: Cleveland

• Neshawn has just been put on the team this year.
• He is looking forward to the first game.

Favorite Professional team: Cleveland Cavaliers

• He has contributed defense to the team.
• He believes the team will go undefeated.
• Brown will step up by rebounding the ball and being a better leader.
• Neshawn thinks he has become a better shooter.
• He believes the team is better at running in transition.

Role: Leader

• If he had one superpower it would be to teleport.

 

Name: Julius Vann #2

Age: 17

City: Cleveland

• Vann has been playing on the team for four years.

Favorite Professional team: Cleveland Cavaliers

• He has contributed scoring to the team.
• His thoughts on the predicted score is undefeated.
• Vann has learned how to pass, and make smart plays.
• He would like the team to be better at the chemistry between them.

Role: To score the ball.

• He wants to be a G.O.A.T when he grows up.