Baldwin boys have high expectations for upcoming season

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, December 8, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Baldwin's boys basketball team has racked up 16-7 and 15-8 overall records the past two seasons and was a WPIAL playoff qualifier.

The Highlanders, who dropped first-round playoff decisions both years, are aiming for higher goals this winter.

They have the ability — and smarts — to fulfill their hopes.

“We have some strong senior leadership this year,” Baldwin coach Joe Urmann said. “There are five guys who have played a fair amount of varsity basketball here. And our underclassmen are working to fill in some of the other roles that we need in order to be successful.

“We don't have a lot of size, but I will say that I think this is maybe the smartest or most cerebral group of players I've ever coached. They learn fast, and that has a lot to do with our seniors.”

Senior guards/forwards Mike Goga, Nick Fiumara and Frank Owusu and senior guard Jake Monroe are returning starters, and have been joined by Jeremy Jenkins, a senior guard who saw varsity action as a sophomore.

“Jeremy missed all of last year with a torn ACL and MCL,” Urmann said. “He is back and in the starting lineup (this year).”

The 6-foot-5 Goga is a third-year starter for the Highlanders.

“We are very optimistic about our chances this year,” Goga said. “Coming into the season with five experienced seniors, I think it is a very realistic goal to compete for a section title.

“We have been focusing on our defense in the preseason. Defense and rebounding will be really important for us.”

The Highlanders' supporting cast consists of seven juniors — guard Christian Barr, and guard/forwards Shane Gilbert, Andy Sopata, Johnny Staley, Flynn Travers, Aaron Exler and Colin Poe.

There is a large group of sophomore athletes in the program, consisting of guards Andy Degenhardt, Zach Remlinger and Adam Goldsboro; guards/forwards Remy Davic, Tekoah Henry, Dom George, Nick Dolan, Alex Harris and Damon Kolis; and forward Justin Johnson.

Connor Lavelle (G/F) and Joey Starzynski (G) are top freshman prospects.

Based off their performance last season and in summer league competition, the Highlanders have no shortage of sharp-shooting athletes on this year's team. They have been focusing on the basics in preseason drills.

“We're working on our ability to defend, take care of the ball and get quality shots” Urmann said.

Baldwin is a member of Section 2 in Class 6A again this season.

Mt. Lebanon (10-2), the defending section champion, Canon-McMillan (9-3), Baldwin (8-4) and Upper St. Clair (6-6) qualified for the WPIAL playoffs last year.

“Our section is always tough,” Goga said. “We will be tested every game.”

Mt. Lebanon, Baldwin and USC all lost first-round playoff games. Canon-McMillan advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals and PIAA first round.

“I think Lebo is the favorite to win it if you look at what they are returning from last year's team,” Urmann said. “But the whole section is going to be very competitive and balanced.”

Baldwin was scheduled to open the season Dec. 8-9 by co-hosting the Baldwin/Peters Township tip-off tournament

The Highlanders were to play on their home floor against Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic and Thomas Jefferson, respectively, in the two-day event.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin