By TONY BELLISSIMO
While Lott and Wilson moved on to Florida Community College at Jacksonville and Robert Morris, respectively, the Mules are finding life without them a little stressful. In fact, coach Darrol Lopez chose not to address the team following last week's 61-53 loss to Franklin K. Lane in the opening round of its holiday tournament.
"It's the first time I didn't talk to the team after a game," Lopez said. "The kids are playing hard. I can't fault them for their effort, but their decision-making isn't anywhere near where it should be. We're turning the ball over way too much."
Like many other former players to come through the storied program, Wilson and Lott were asked to speak to the current roster during recent practices. Wilson did so before the holiday break, and Lott had the floor a day after the disappointing loss to Lane. "It's a tradition that goes back to when Hank Williams started coaching here," Lopez said. "The former players come back to discuss what it means to be a part of Malverne basketball and what it takes to succeed."
Success isn't going to come easy for the Mules this season, though no matter what happens during the regular season they figure to be the favorite to win the Nassau Class B title. Lopez expects a challenge from Oyster Bay, Cold Spring Harbor and Carle Place come playoff time. "We're still growing," he said. "We're trying to establish an identity. We'll be tested every game during the regular season, so that should help come playoff time. I'm looking to go 6-6 in the conference, but we'll need to play better to make that happen."
The Mules showed what they're capable of against Island Trees in the Conference ABC-I opener. Junior Justin Williams poured in 21 points and senior Dashiem Cherry added 17 points and eight rebounds to spark a 78-64 win. "Against Island Trees we rebounded, stayed out of foul trouble and made smart passes," Lopez said. "It was the kind of game I was expecting every time we step on the floor."
Williams is Malverne's go-to guy on offense, and opponents know it. He fouled out of two of the first four games, and Lopez would like to see more composure from him and point guard D.J. Williams. Sophomore center Terry Banks is learning on the fly, while juniors Kadeem Bell and Vaughn Shaw may have earned more playing time after providing a spark off the bench in losses to Lane and Port Washington.
The Mules host South Side on Friday at 6:45 p.m.
Comments about this story? tbellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
