Chris Fraioli took over the Norwood boys basketball program four years ago and has guided the Mustangs into the Division 2 State Tournament each season. Unfortunately, despite capturing their second Tri-Valley League Championship and winning 15 games during the regular season, Norwood was only able to go two rounds before falling to Doherty Memorial in the Round of 16. The Norwood Coach is hoping that his team can improve upon last year’s post-season and move a little deeper into the tournament.

“We will be a little younger this year with experience but our goals remain as usual – to win at least 10 games and qualify for the State Tournament,” the Mustang coach said. “If we can find a way into league contention again, that would be great.”

Fraioli considers himself an old school type of coach and doesn’t like to call the upcoming season one that is rebuilding. Instead, he noted that his players are excited about the year, and with the expectations from everyone outside of Norwood placing low expectations on the Mustangs, they are looking to disprove them all. 

From last year’s overall 17-6 squad, Norwood lost only three athletes, but three very important pieces in TVL MVP center Alex Yuchumchuk, point guard Brian Dearborn and Patrick Connell, a talented shooter. 

“In fourteen years of coaching, fourth at Norwood, this is the first year in which going into the season not knowing what we are going to be,” Fraioli said. “We have six returning players (two starters and our sixth and seventh man) and a transfer from Xaverian who should help us to be competitive this year.”

Returning starters, three-year varsity players, and two-time senior captains Sam Larkee and Caden Sheehan will be looked upon to taking extended roles this winter. The coach is hoping that the duo can give the team more this year, while providing leadership to the younger players and highlighting their athletic ability. The coach noted that the two have been tremendous leaders and averaged 28-30 minutes a night on the court. 

Last year, junior guards Michael Dever and Justin Cochran were the team’s first two players off the bench and will be looked upon highly in making the transition to either starter this year of continuing to come off the bench but with much more significant roles than they possessed last year as sophomores. Fraioli is relying on the two juniors to help the team score and play hard-nosed defense  as well as all-around basketball every time they step onto the court.

Outside of the above-mentioned four athletes, it is going to be a wait and see situation for the Mustang coach when everyone shows up for tryouts. Junior center John Igori, senior forward/center Lucas Rodriguez, and sophomore guard/forward Roman Coras are three athletes that should be able to make the step up and contribute to the team in some way. Senior forward Joe Serratore will also be fighting for minutes.

Although Norwood does have some talented athletes that could help get the Mustangs into the post-season, it will be a different type of season for the veteran coach.

“This will be my first year here that we don’t have that one kid who can flat out score,” the coach said. “But that is all right as it gives us more of a balanced look scoring wise. It will be a score by committee atmosphere this year, instead of one in which the opposition knew where the ball was going; this year, we’ll be able to spread the ball around.”

If things go as planned, Norwood should have no problem returning to the State Tournament, and with the large number of kids that have signed up to play basketball, the future is heading in the right direction.