The Valley Regional boys’ basketball team may be short on varsity time with some of its competitors for the upcoming season, yet there are several key components returning that have garnered a great deal of experience in performing in pressure-packed situations. Those members will look to instill that wisdom within the rest of the roster this winter.

A year ago, Valley showed its resiliency by rebounding from a slow and inauspicious 1-5 start to finish the regular season 10-10 overall. The Warriors also qualified for both the Shoreline Conference and Division IV State Tournaments in the process, falling 49-40 to Old Saybrook in the opening round of the conference draw. Afer that, the team bowed out in the first round to Suffield for states, 63-51, to finish 10-12 for the totality of the campaign.

When it comes to assessing the main objectives for the upcoming run, Head Coach Kevin Woods detailed that the boys of course want to make a return trip to both brackets, while simultaneously establishing themselves as model citizens and pillars in the local community.

“Our goals are to make both tournaments and make a run in each,” said Woods. “Off the court, we have serviced the community with camps, clinics, and this year, a babysitting night Friday, Dec. 15 held at Valley, for people in and out of the Tri Town Community who would like a night out.”

At the top of the lineup are two senior co-captains in Jack Driscoll, who emerged off of the bench and went from a sixth man to a starring role last winter, and Conor Quinn—the leading scorer out of all of Valley’s returning cast as the club’s signal caller on offense.

“Jack worked his way into the starting lineup towards the end of last season. Jack will be instrumental to the Warriors’ success with his leadership and his work ethic on the court. He is an incredible athlete, who plays much bigger than his 6-foot frame with blocking shots, dominating the glass, running the floor, and playing lock-down defense,” said Woods. “Conor is the Warriors’ top returning scorer. Conor runs the point guard position, where he gets everyone involved in the offense. He is a lights-out shooter, who should be in contention for All-Shoreline Team honors this season. Conor has become a leader this offseason, organizing pickup basketball games, summer and fall leagues, and communicating with teammates and athletes.”

Additionally, with the girls’ basketball program not fielding a team this season, Olivia Cunningham will also serve as a team captain and may try to log some playing time.

“Olivia has exceptional leadership on and off the court, and is senior class president,” said Woods. “She has excellent basketball IQ, great passer, can shoot, and is another coach on the court. Whether she plays with us or gets an opportunity to play for a cooperative program, her presence with us has made us a better team and program.”

The Warriors additionally deploy a deep and promising senior class beyond the two men at the captain’s helm, which includes Noah Dolinski and Max Nickel in the back court at guard, plus forwards Paul Giantonio, Dylan Brown, and Owen Livingston.

“Noah Dolinsky should be one of the Warriors’ top scoring threats this season. Paul Giantonio is a great athlete and should be a key contributor this season,” said Woods. “Dylan Brown is very strong, a good shooter, and a much improved defender. Max Nickel has a good offensive skill set, he is a threat from the perimeter, and has an excellent work ethic. Max is also one of the big leaders on and off the court. Owen Livingston is a hard worker, leads by example, and brings great energy on a daily basis.”

The front court for the junior class also displays some prowess with forwards Thomas Troy, who powers his way across the glass, and lengthy, versatile, two-way threat Rex Grabowski. Rookie and freshman guard Tavis Filacchione also looks to log minutes on the floor.

“Thomas Troy is an explosive athlete, lockdown defender, and old-school rebounder,” Woods said. “Rex Grabowski is the tallest member of the team, a good athlete, threat on offense and defense, and is the last of the Grabowski family dynasty at Valley. Tavis Filacchione is a dynamic player, and he should get varsity time as a freshman.”

There is no sole matchup that Woods will single out on the Warriors’ regular season ledyard, as each one weighs with equal importance and impact. The Warriors may need to get acclimated mentally to the varsity spotlight, though they certainly hold a veteran presence in terms of sheer numbers to help through any possible growing pains.

“Our games all count. Our attitude is one at a time, so our biggest game is North Branford game one. Until then, that is all we are focused on,” said Woods. “This team is young in the sense that there is very little varsity experience, but it is mature in that six seniors will be asked to do a lot of the heavy lifting.”

Woods has returned to his 15th season as bench boss for Valley, and he is assisted by JV Coach Lou Rolon (in his seventh campaign) and newcomer Freshman Coach Dennis Rinaldi.

2023-2024 Valley Regional Boys’ Basketball Regular Season Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 14: vs. North Branford at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16: at New Milford at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 19: vs. East Hampton at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 22: at Cromwell at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 2: at Haddam-Killingworth at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 5: vs. Morgan at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: vs. Coginchaug at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11: at Portland at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 16: at Old Lyme at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 19: vs. Westbrook at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 20: at New Fairfield at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23: vs. Hale-Ray at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 26: at Old Saybrook at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30: at North Branford at Jerome Harrison Middle School at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 1: at East Hampton at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 6: vs. Cromwell at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9: vs. Haddam-Killingworth at 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 12: at Morgan at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 14: vs. Fitch at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16: vs. Harding at 7 p.m.