by Anthony Rifilato
"The whole town really roots us on. I feel bad we didn't take it home," said Matthews of the Bruins' anticlimactic finish, just a win shy of jumping into the final round of the Nassau County Class A playoffs.
But Burton, who was voted Nassau County Coach of the Year by his peers, sensed the letdown Matthews was grappling with and lauded his team's tenacity. "This team has nothing to hang their heads about," Burton said.
Despite the dramatic and extremely close 49-48 loss to fifth-seeded Farmingdale on Feb. 26, the juggernaut that was the Baldwin Bruins cannot be denied. After all, the awards for Coach of the Year and Player of the Year, for Matthews, are not given out capriciously, and the endurance and skill the team showed was astonishing.
This year, the leadership and tactics employed by Burton made Baldwin the top-seeded team in the Nassau County Class A playoffs. There have been accolades and awards, upset wins, critics and doubters who were forced to swallow their words.
A number of players were recognized for their play, including Matthews, who was named All-County. Four other Bruins -- Danny Cepero, Brian Spencer, Brandon Harris and Greg Woythaler -- were named All-Conference. "I knew I had a special group, a unique team with superb talent," Burton said of this year's roster.
Young coach sets bar high
Burton sets the bar high for his players, and that comes from his own experience on and off the court. After all, he was a Bruin once, before his glory at Hofstra University, where he played on a basketball scholarship, earned a Playmaker of the Year award and ended his career ranked second on Hofstra's all-time assists and steals lists. He also played soccer player, and toured with the U.S. Team in Italy. At 27, he's fresh and far from a dinosaur, and his colleagues said the team has gelled with Burton at the helm.
"The kids are like a sponge. They really listen to him," said Assistant Coach Charles Lloyd, who also coached Burton when he was in high school.
Conference II Coach of the Year was bestowed on Burton three weeks ago by a panel of his fellow coaches, and the recognition meant a lot to him. He said the community played an integral part in the team's wins. "I want to thank the community for supporting me," Burton said. "We had a great following. We appreciate that and the kids really deserve it."
This year's winning streak signals Burton's three-year progression as coach. Last year the Bruins were 17-14, and this year Burton led them to a stunning 18-2 record. "Each year kids are learning what I expect," he said.
There were hurdles this year, including a number of injuries early in the season. Cepero sprained his ankle, Harris suffered from back spasms and a sprained ankle, Charles Guarneiri broke his arm, and Spencer broke his hand on the first day of practice. "I was worried," Burton said.
But he added that the team retained a sense of confidence throughout the season and postseason. It's a confidence that Burton exudes as coach. "I'm hard on the kids. I teach them like it's college ball," Burton said, adding that he demands good grades and hard work.
Matthews, who said he was familiar with the former Bruins star before he was a coach, said Burton energizes the team. "He makes you play," Matthews said. "You don't want to go out on the court without passion. He's the best coach ever. We really respect him."
Burton is also known for his emphasis on teamwork and defensive strategies, a system that has garnered the Bruins an average of 67.7 points per game. They remained stoic when they faced off against formidable teams such as Hempstead. With their 56-33 win over the Tigers, the Bruins snagged their 16th consecutive win and advanced to their second straight semifinal, which pitted them against Farmingdale.
"We knew we could win but a lot of people doubted us," Matthews said.
Burton said he is confident that next year will herald more dynamic players, including returning starter Brandon Harris. "We'll still be competitive," said Burton. "We'll look at the personnel and see if we have to change it up. Only time will tell."
Sub: Star senior looking ahead
For his part, Matthews was gracious about the recognition and award for Conference II Player of the Year.
"I think it was good for me. It shows that if you work hard you get what you want," the senior said.
There were some bumps along the way, such as a sprained ankle, but overall, it was a great ride for Matthews. He averaged 14 points per game, as well as 17 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
"He's one of the best players I've coached at Baldwin," said Burton. "He's unselfish and a man on the boards."
The Bruins are all about teamwork and act like a family on and off the court, Matthews said. "Brian Spencer, he always pushes me," he said of his teammate.
Some of that pushing resulted in an unusual number of dynamic plays by Matthews, Burton said, such as double-digit points and rebounds in 15 out of 20 games. "He's a power forward, but he handles the ball better than any guard," Burton said.
Lloyd said Burton took Matthews under his wing. "The kid has been with Darius for two years," Lloyd said. "He's been a mentor and father figure to him. He loves the game and the kids."
For Lennox Matthews, there is a final chapter to look forward to: graduation. "Playing sports drove me. I really love basketball and felt I've matured as a student," Matthews said.
The 6'3" power forward said he wants to pursue his passion in college, though he hasn't made any decisions about where he will attend. He said he's thinking about a major in political science or sports management.
"I'm still looking around. I want to play basketball somewhere and I'm keeping my options open," Matthews said. Burton said that colleges such as Molloy, C.W. Post and New York Tech have all expressed interest in the young star.
Wherever Matthews goes, that college is certain to have a valuable addition to its roster of players, and Burton the assurance that he is churning out stellar performers from Baldwin High School.
"I feel every year we'll be competitive," Burton said.
