Beavers bring experienced roster to floor this winter

By Chris Villani

If Dan Morin has identified a flaw in the Blackstone Valley Tech boys’ basketball team, it might be that this year’s squad is too unselfish. 

“It’s a really good group of kids, and they are such good kids that they are passing too much and not always looking for that scoring opportunity or chance to attack,” Morin said. “We are trying to get that fire in them.”

The Beavers suffered a few early season setbacks, but Morin still likes his team’s chances to compete in the Colonial Athletic League and for a spot in the Clark Tournament thanks to a roster loaded with eight returning seniors and a total of 11 players who gained varsity experience last year.

There is plenty of talent on the roster, Morin said, but he is “looking for that one or two players to step up and be that game changer for us.”

He has more than a few candidates. Senior captain John Powell is a strong presence on the interior and brings a streaky scoring presence to the team. Seniors Ryan Sauter and Alex Burgos combine to form a strong backcourt. Burgos, the quarterback of the Valley Tech football team is adjusting to a new position, Morin said, and will be handling the point guard duties. 

“We want him to utilize those court vision skills and the IQ that he uses on the football field,” Morin said. “He has a strong build for a point guard, we are hoping that will be beneficial. And he is very vocal.”

Junior Nick Whitlock is a player Morin described as a “sleeper.” 

“He has got a lot of energy and he is very athletic,” the coach said. “I am looking for him to connect the dots. A lot of these guys are trying to fit into their spots and figure out where they can excel for us.”

Senior Tyler Bell is another potential linchpin for the Beavers. He has a strong shot and good range, Morin said, and is ratcheting up the intensity he will need to excel. 

Morin said that getting to the Clark and winning the CAL, the latter of which is something Valley Tech competes for on a yearly basis. 

The Beavers also have the challenge of competing in a higher division this year, having moved from Division IV to Division III.

“We are looking to try to break into the D3 playoffs for the first time,” Morin said.