By: STEVE SINISKI
The private-school powerhouse has been a nemesis for coach Darius Burton's team over the past several seasons, but Weaver poured in a career-high 32 points to help Baldwin overcome an eight-point deficit in the final five minutes. A steal by Greg DeBonis jump-started a transition basket by Weaver to give the Bruins a 58-57 lead they would not relinquish.
"Kellenberg's a big rivalry," Burton said, noting the back-and-forth nature of this year's game. "We were definitely fortunate to have the last run. The [home] crowd definitely helped us. [Aaron] shows up big and hits the big shots when needed. He leads by example."
Callendar's ability to go to the basket draws defenses in, and now the coaching staff is working with the point guard on his decision-making when he gets into the lane. Baldwin is stocked with outside shooters - Weaver, DeBonis and Ralph Manigat can all drain the long jumpers and three-point shots - and Callendar's penetration helps the offense work from the outside in while the low-post players develop.
Sophomore Scott Henderson is also getting to the hoop with regularity, pouring in 16 points and helping the Bruins defeat Valley Stream Central in their Conference AA-II opener on Dec. 21, 72-59. With the game tied 29-29 at intermission, Weaver and Henderson led a 43-30 second-half charge as the Bruins wore down the Eagles. Henderson's ball-handling ability and quickness frustrate opposing teams when Baldwin unveils its press and digs in its heels.
"He loves the baseline and uses his body well," Burton said of his sophomore. "He has a great dribble-drive and does a good job playing the three and the four."
The influx of younger players has prevented Burton from unleashing his full-scale press on a consistent basis, but the team is slowly catching on to the frenetic pace of Baldwin's defensive scheme. "We made them work for their baskets in the second half," Burton said of the defensive charge that slowed down Valley Stream. "We're a very good half-court defensive team. We're still trying to do a press, and it's getting better. We have a lot of new people on the team, so it's taking a little time for them to understand. We like to throw different types of looks [at other offenses]."
The league slate hits full stride this week, as Baldwin travels to Plainview JFK on Friday at 7:15 p.m. for a key early league game. From there, the Bruins host Lawrence on Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m., and Hicksville on Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
