The Hand boys’ basketball team is certainly well aware it enters this winter with a huge target on their back as defending champs, yet the Tigers additionally know they have the talent and intangibles to be on the mark of holding their throne on the court.

The Tigers return to the court after an historic 23-4 overall campaign in which they captured the Division III state crown in 2022, marking the program’s first-ever state title, after downing Kolbe Cathedral 56-39 for the championship at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 19. It was a season that saw Hand additionally reach the semifinal round of the SCC Tournament before a loss to Fairfield Prep.

Head Coach Jimmy Economopoulos noted that the Tigers do have an added layer to the hurdle of defending their title this year after parting ways with several key seniors from that Run to the Sun. Yet Hand also welcomes back several players that now know what it takes to fortify a championship club.

“We are trying to defend a state title, which is not an easy thing to do; we will be getting every team’s best shot,” said Coach Economopoulos. “It’s about being able to continue to play at a high level and play as a team. Those things led to us coming together last year. We have a ton of returning guys that now understand what the program is capable of.”

Senior forward and four-year team member David Howe will lead the Tigers on the court as their lone captain. Hand’s coach recalled that Howe’s emergence off the bench during the stretch run really helped him earn his stripes as captain this winter.

“David is a National Honor Society member and an all-around great kid,” said Economopoulos. “He played off the bench last year and really stepped up. He’s not the biggest post player, but he plays really hard. He is a very active rebounder and a leader on the floor we expect big things from.”

A tandem of starters are brought back into the fold with sophomore guard Chase Geremia at the point and sharp-shooting junior Kyle Hoffman. Economopoulos added that freshman shooting guard/small forward Elijah Avery-Turner has already made an immediate mark.

“Chase is one of the top sophomores in the state. He is a talented kid who can score and rebound,” said Coach Economopoulos. “Kyle plays lights out from three-point range; he is a phenomenal scorer and great defender. Elijah has stepped right in and made an impact right away.”

Economopoulos additionally lauded a senior duo in Nick Paolella down in the post and guard Jacob Rachler. He anticipates solid minutes and play as well from junior Aidan Doyle and sophomore Samuel Markovitz.

“Nick played JV last year, but he has worked really hard, and we expect major minutes as a post player from him,” Coach Economopoulos said. “Jacob is a solid guard and does a little bit of everything to attack the basket. Sam and Aidan will look to help as well.”

Hand will compete in the Oronoque Division of an always-competitive SCC alongside Cross, Shelton, East Haven, and North Haven. In addition to those divisional clashes, the Tigers will also entertain some playoff rematches from the title run, which will only make Hand stronger as the year continues.

“We play two teams in Notre Dame-West Haven in Fairfield Prep that competed in the SCC Tournament final last year that will be tough games,” said Economopoulos. “Notre Dame is probably a top 3 team in the state. Cross was actually one of our four losses last year, and Guilford will be one of the top teams in the SCC. Out of conference, we play St. Bernard at Mohegan Sun, who we beat in the state semis last year, so the game will be competitive. We will definitely be battle tested with the schedule.”

The youth on the Tigers’ roster may present a challenge to some coaches, but for Economopoulos, he is eager to take on the task whilst participating in what will be many spotlight matchups.

“Our schedule does pose many challenges. We have a young team where we can anticipate a freshman, sophomore, and junior being our three most impactful players,” Coach Economopoulos said. “There will be some growing pains with the young team, but I am excited for the challenge and looking forward to the big games.”

Economopoulos, who has been at Hand’s helm since the 2016-2017 campaign, is assisted by JV coach Joseph Lasko, freshman coach Chris Bernucca, and a volunteer assistant in Mike Sweeney.

Prior to the game on Friday, Dec. 23, the Hand’ boys basketball team will be honored with a ring ceremony for their State Championship run last season. The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Polson Middle School gym.

Hand Boys’ Basketball 2022-’23 Schedule

Tuesday, Dec. 20: vs. Shelton at 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23: vs. Guilford at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28: at St. Joseph at Wilton at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 3: vs. North Haven at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5: vs. Notre Dame-West Haven at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10: at East Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13: at Branford at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17: vs. Cross at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24: at Shelton at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26: at Guilford at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31: at North Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3: at Notre Dame-West Haven at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: vs. East Haven at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10: vs. Branford at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14: at Cross at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17: vs. Fairfield Prep at 7 p.m.