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Swampscott Boys Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 17-6

Coach: Paul Moran (3rd season)

Key returnees: John Beaulieu, 6-5, Sr., F; Scott Leffler, 6-6, Sr., C; Craig Rodenstein, 6-1, Sr.,G; John Poth, 6-2, Jr., G; Chris Gioisa, 6-3, Sr., C; Mike Nimkar, 5-10, Jr., G.; Trevor Wheeler, 6-2, Jr., G

Strengths: Beaulieu figures to be one of the premier players in the NEC after averaging around 17 points and 10 rebounds in an all-star junior year. Leffler is a strong rebounder who could have a lot more scoring opportunities this season. Ryan Squires, who transferred from Bishop Fenwick last year, helped the Big Blue win the football Super Bowl and now he'll help Moran's team as a combo guard. Overall, Swampscott has excellent size and several top notch athletes from the football team, including Trevor Wheeler, Steve Moran, Jordan Kelly, Adam McSwiggin, Justin Mitchell, Charlie Baker, Poth and Gioisa.

Concerns: The football season stretched into December and Moran let the football players recharge their batteries for a few days, so he's worried the Big Blue will get off to a slow start.

Coach's outlook: "We want to win the NEC South, but we could struggle early in the season. We have six games before Christmas and we could be 3-3 or 4-2, but I look for us to get better after that. Beaulieu will be one of the top players on the North Shore."