A Basketball Program in Transition

Finishing 4-10 in league play doesn't usually signal a move in the right direction. But for the Sayville boys varsity basketball program, 2009 represented a major step forward.

Following a 2008 campaign that saw the Golden Flashes go winless at 0-14, Lou Lowe stepped in as coach. Now in his second year, Lowe has coupled optimistic expectations with realistic goals. "Our program has struggled over the last few years," he said. "I'm trying to get us to a respectable level."

That effort comes from Lowe working to build a program from the ground floor, including reinstituting a CYO league for young players, running an open gym during the summer, and designing a game plan around his talent.

"Is it a rebuilding job? Absolutely," Lowe said.

While no one is picking Sayville to challenge for a league title, an infusion of a winning attitude comes courtesy of the roster, which features four members of the boys : Sean Fullam, Rich Geiger, Brian Lutcha and Vincent Sakk.

"We know what it takes to win," Lutcha said. "We need to prepare ourselves. Everyone knows we haven't had good years. There's some skepticism [amongst fans] but we can definitely make the playoffs."

In order to qualify for the postseason, teams need to a have a .500 record, which translates into Sayville needing to win six league games.  

Sayville Offensively

Sayville will run an offensive set "with a lot of motion," Lowe said. "We're going to try and run, scoring points off of our defense."

Running the offense from his point-guard position will be senior Chris Lowe, son of the coach, who previously played more of a shooting guard role. "It's an adjustment," the senior said. "Instead of looking to shoot from the outside, I need to look to distribute the ball more."

Backcourt help will come from junior , described by his coach as "a slasher. A guy who can have success getting to the basket."  

Sayville Defensively

"We're going to focus on man-to-man," Lowe said. "That's our best defense because of the our athletes."

Geiger, Sayville's 6-foot-7 center, will be a key player in Lowe's transition offense, which always starts with rebounding. The Golden Flashes will also try to put more pressure on opponents' ball handlers.

"We want to pressure everything," Chris Lowe said. "In the last couple of years, we've been known as a soft defensive team. We need to step up defensively."

"We like what we have seen as far as the intensity that's shown in practice" Lou Lowe said. "We have rounded a corner."

By season's end, does the coach think they will have rounded enough corners to contend for a playoff berth?

"It'll probably be Harborfields and Islip battling for the top spot. The rest of the league is up for grabs," Lowe said. "[Making the playoffs] is a possibility."

Head Coach: Lou Lowe  

2009 Record: 4-10 (6-12 overall)  

2010 League: League V  

Toughest Competition: Harborfields, Islip