Inside out and upside down is the name of the game for the
2006-07 edition of the Bradford High boys basketball squad.
The Owls will build their team around the perimeter play of
senior co-captain guard Tom Morris and the post play of junior
center Ben Lanich while showing opponents different looks on both
ends of the court.
“We have a good inside-outside combination,” BHS coach Dave
Fuhrman said. “Lanich is a physical presence inside at the center
spot and we have a good perimeter option in Tommy Morris. Those two
guys are good building blocks.”
Morris (6-1, 180 pounds) was the team’s leading scorer last year
at 14 points per game, while Lanich (6-5, 215 pounds) ripped down
eight rebounds and threw in nine ppg.
In Fuhrman’s 16 seasons at the helm, BHS has played
predominantly man-to-man defense, but the Owls will flip to a zone
D a lot in the upcoming campaign.
The coaching staff has also installed new offensive sets to
complement the team’s traditional motion offense and transition
game.
“We’re going to be doing some different things this year because
of our personnel,” Fuhrman expounded. “We’re going to play more
zone defense than I’ve ever played.
“We’re going to try to mix it up and surprise teams. Even
offensively we’re doing some different things.”
All five starters are returning lettermen, but the inside-out
punch of Morris and Lanich, along with senior co-captain Dan
Vecellio (6-1, 210-pound forward) will lead the Owls’ charge into
new and different territory.
“Tommy is our best player, no doubt about it,” Fuhrman said. “He
needs to be our go-to guy and our vocal leader. He’s got to be the
guy we rally around.
“He’s very skilled, athletic and jumps well. He’s an excellent
shooter with great range, he sees the floor well and is a good
passer. He’s going to be the focal point of our opponents’ defenses
as they try to take him out of the game, so he’s got to be that
much better.
“Lanich is strong and physical,” Fuhrman pointed out. “He was
our leading rebounder a year ago. We need him to score more out of
our half-court offense this year.
“Offensively we’re emphasizing taking a look inside to get him
touches. He needs to take 12-to-15 shots a game and stay out of
foul trouble.
“Dan’s going to be the starter at the four spot,” Fuhrman
continued. “He’s a great kid and he’s been very loyal to the
program.
“He’s got a great attitude and work ethic. He’s got to be a good
screener, hit the boards and play good interior defense. We look
for him to do the little things a good team needs. He’ll be a big
key for us.”
Starting at the off-guard slot will be junior Ryan LaBrozzi
(6-2, 170 pounds).
“I’ve been very pleased with Ryan so far in the preseason,”
Fuhrman declared. “Ryan has really stepped up into a leadership
role, hustling hard and being a vocal leader.
“He needs to be that third consistent scorer. He’s a good 6-2
with long arms. He can go inside and out and will be a tough
match-up for teams. I think he’s going to have a big year for
us.”
Junior Tom Taylor (5-8, 150 pounds) has gotten the nod at the
point position.
“Tom’s got big shoes to fill,” Fuhrman admitted. “Shane
(Hvizdzak) was a three-year starter at that point guard spot, but
Tommy’s got all the skills you’re looking for there.
“He’s athletic and has worked hard in the weight room getting a
lot bigger. He’s making better decisions and seeing the floor
better.
“The point guard position is a very important player in our
system as an extension of the coach on the floor, but I’m confident
in his ability to handle it.”
First off the bench for the Owls will be sophomore guard Drew
Kelly (5-9, 160 pounds) and junior forward Randy Confer (6-1, 210
pounds).
“Drew has good basketball sense and can stick the open shot.
Once Randy gets himself in basketball condition he can really help
us,” Fuhrman noted.
Bolstering Bradford’s short bench, playing both varsity and JV,
are juniors Jimmy Lyons (5-11, 160-pound guard/forward) and Ian
Ivancic (5-6, 150-pound guard) and freshman David “Pug” Fuhrman
(5-11, 175-pound guard).
“Jimmy is a little behind from missing time due to illness but
he’s a good passer and sees the floor well. Ian is a smart player
who worked hard in the weight room getting stronger and more
athletic. My son, Pug, is a typical coach’s kid – he’s been around
the game a lot. He’s a good standstill shooter right now.
“Our bench is just going to be something that evolves as the
season goes on. We’re not a real deep team, we’re just about seven
players deep at this stage.”
Joining Lyons, Ivancic and Fuhrman on the junior varsity roster
are sophomores Tyler Grandy (5-9, 160-pound guard), Cory Viola
(5-4, 115-pound guard), Christian Holzwarth (5-10, 130-pound
guard), Zach Frombach (6-2, 130-pound guard/forward), Austin
LaRoche (5-11, 175-pound forward) and Devon Swatt (6-0, 225-pound
center).
Fuhrman will be assisted by coaches Mike Manning, Paul Piccioli
and Zac Stark. Cody Matzner serves as the team’s manager.
The Owls will open the 2006-07 season hosting the annual
Bradford Tip-Off Tournament this Friday night.
Bradford’s JVs play first, facing Latrobe at 4 p.m, while Erie
McDowell-Highlands is set for 5:30 p.m.
The first varsity game featuring Erie McDowell (Class AAAA)
versus Highlands (Class AAA) is slated for 7 p.m. The Owls are
scheduled to take the floor against Quad-A, WPIAL-affiliated
Latrobe at 8:30 p.m.
