North's speed could pose matchup problems
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

If there's one word to describe the Williamsville North boys basketball team, it is fast.

The Spartans have a lot of speed on their roster. Just ask North coach Chuck Swierski.

"We're super fast," said Swierski. "And we're very athletic. It's probably the most athletic team I've had in my five years. I think our quickness could pose some matchup problems for other teams."

Swierski's starting five is especially quick. They include 5-foot-10 senior point guard John Piaggione, 6-foot-1 senior shooting guard Josh Barrett, 6-foot-2 junior identical twin forwards Alex and Steve Barth and 6-foot-4 center Alex Ullrich. Piaggione and the Barth twins are returning full-time starters; Ullrich was a part-time starter. Barrett played basketball in Saskatchewan. His father, Danny, is the University at Buffalo football team's assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.

"They work pretty well as a group," said Swierski.

Piaggione was chosen unanimously by his teammates as a captain. He is a returning ECIC Division I First Team all-star.

"He's our leader on the floor," said Swierski. "He knows what I want from him when he's running the offense. He doesn't shoot as much as I would like him to but he gets everyone involved. I don't think he was a natural point guard but he's turned into a pretty good one."

Barrett has been the most consistent player in the team's three scrimmages, Swierski said.

"Josh has been the perfect fit," said Swierski. "Where he came from he was very well coached. He's a natural athlete and a real coachable kid. No matter where we put him he flourishes."

Swierski likes Barrett's versatility.

"He can shoot the ball, handle it, play great defense and he's smart and unselfish. I can't say enough good things about him. We're thrilled to have him."

Swierski said the Barth twins have been lifting weights during the offseason and have each added 10 to 15 pounds to their now 185-pound frames.

Alex Barth was the team's second leading scorer last year and will be the team's No. 1 scoring option this year.

"They're both tough," said Swierski. "They've been working on their three-point shooting but their strength is getting inside and going to the rim. Plus, each is flat out fast. When they get out and run, they just fly."

At 180 pounds, Ullrich will be matched up against much bigger players but what makes him stand out is his basketball IQ.

"He plays a steady, smart game," said Swierski. "He works hard defensively by using proper technique to get into the right position. He's not real strong but he battles and gives everything he's got. He's got an outside jump shot too but can also score inside."

Ullrich is another North captain as is reserve streaky shooting 6-foot senior guard Joe Greenwald. Six-foot junior Mark Balsom, last year's starting point guard on JV, will also be a reserve guard.

Other reserves are sophomore Jim Gaines (guard/forward), juniors Jerome Fields and Mike Herberger (backup centers), Mike Mayers (forward) and Colin Potter (guard) and seniors Jack Jagodzinski (forward) and Matt Antalek (guard). Fields, Herberger, Mayers and Potter move up from JV. Jagodzinski is a returning reserve on varsity.

Gaines is a rock solid 6-foot-2, 175 pounds and is a great straight up lock down defender, said Swierski. Fields (6-foot-1, 250 pounds) and Herberger (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) add some nice depth behind Ullrich. Fields is strong but deceptively quick; Herberger is a strong rebounder, Swierski said.

Jagodzinski is a 6-foot-4 left-hander that shoots right and finishes with either hand. He can also rebound well, Swierski said.

Antalek, 6-foot-1, does a little bit of everything well, said Swierski.

"He can shoot and play real good man-to-man defense," said Swierski.

Potter is a 5-foot-10 guard that has a good shot, said Swierski.

Mayers, 6-foot-1, brings a blue collar lunch bucket mentality every time he's on the floor, said Swierski.

"If I ask him to give me three solid minutes, he'll give me everything he has," said Swierski. "He does whatever we ask him to do. He's not as quick or athletic as other kids on the team but he works hard and makes things happen."

Swierski expects his team to be in the mix for the ECIC Division I title.

"Our league is good," said Swierski. "We can't take any nights off. If we stay out of foul trouble and play smart, we'll be fine."

North opens at Orchard Park at 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
North 2007 Schedule
12-3 at Orchard Park .. 7:30 p.m.
12-7 at Ken. West tourn. vs. Ken.
West ............................... 8:30 p.m.
12-8 at Ken. West tourn. vs.
Amherst or Lafayette 5:30 p.m
(consolation); 7 p.m. (final)
12-10 at Bennett High School
tourn. vs. South Park....... 6 p.m.
12-11 at Bennett High School
tourn. Bennett or Cheektowaga 6
p.m. (consolation); 7:30 p.m. (final)

12-14 Frontier............... 7:30 p.m.
12-18 at W.S. West ....... 7:30 p.m.
12-20 at Lancaster ....... 7:30 p.m.
12-27 at Will. Rotary tourn. at
South - Newfane.............. 6 p.m.
12-28 at Will. Rotary tourn. at
South - South or Fredonia 6 p.m.
(consolation); 7:30 p.m. (final)
1-4 Clarence ................. 7:30 p.m.
1-12 at Niagara-Wheatfield.. 1:30
p.m.
1-15 Jamestown ........... 7:30 p.m.
1-18 Orchard Park....... 7:30 p.m.
1-25 at Frontier............ 7:30 p.m.
1-28 W.S. West.............. 7:30 p.m.
2-1 Lancaster................ 7:30 p.m.
2-5 at Clarence............. 7:30 p.m.
2-12 at East .................. 7:30 p.m.
2-14 at Jamestown ...... 7:30 p.m.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com