Naugy out to make noise

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Naugatuck High School boys basketball captains Dayvon Russell, left, and Jason Bradley will lead a veteran-laden team on the court this season. –LUKE MARSHALL
Naugatuck High School boys basketball captains Dayvon Russell, left, and Jason Bradley will lead a veteran-laden team on the court this season. –LUKE MARSHALL

NAUGATUCK — The renovation of the gymnasium at Naugatuck High School has just been completed. Just like the renovation, tryouts have also wrapped up for Coach Mike Wilson and his Naugatuck boys basketball team.

The newly constructed facility also brings a fresh start for Wilson’s veteran-full squad, which is looking to forget about last year when the Greyhounds went 8-14 and were eliminated from the first round of both the NVL and Class L tournaments.

While barely reaching the states and NVLs, Naugy did show some upside in the NVL tournament. The Greyhounds nearly shocked the league with an upset of Sacred Heart, which went on to win the Class S championship, in the first round. The Hearts held on late to win 53-48.

Wilson knows that his team has the capability to be much better this season. But in order to be successful, Wilson is not entirely looking to the X’s and O’s.

“Hard work, positive attitude, and selflessness. We need everyone playing for each other and none of that ‘me first’ mentality,” Wilson said.

The ‘Hounds return a deep team this season, inclduing six seniors. Wilson knows that all his seniors will be key in helping the ‘Hounds make a statement in the league this year.

“I expect contributions from all of my seniors this year,” said Wilson excitedly. “The sky is the limit right now. We are going to be very deep.”

The Greyhounds bring back many key players from last year, including seniors Dayvon Russell, CJ Wall, Jason Bradley and Josh Aviles. Naugy also gained two key players —Jarron Chapman and Trevor Davis.

With the loss of three big-men, including their tallest player, Ryne Greisenhaur, Wilson needed some height for this season. Chapman and Davis are expected to fill that role.

Chapman is a senior and a transfer from Crosby, where he was a starter since his freshman year. Davis is also a senior and a student at Waterbury Arts and Magnet School. He is allowed to play for the Greyhounds since he lives in Naugy.

While he knows the talent of these two players, he does not wish to get too carried away early in the season.

“We have got a lot of season to go before we start talking about the impact that certain players will have,” said Wilson, who enters his fourth year at the head coaching spot. “But they are a pleasant surprise to have on the team and we are excited to see what they can do for us.”

Wilson sees his seniors providing the leadership and talent necessary for an NVL title. Will they capture it is a question that remains to be answered.

The Greyhounds quest for the crown starts Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ansonia High School.