Revere boys basketball field young unit this season

  Head Coach David Leary said prior to this season that his Revere boys’ basketball team may experience some growing pains early on. But he is looking for the team to come together as the 2021-22 campaign progresses.

  The Patriots opened the regular season on Tuesday at Greater Boston League (GBL) foe Everett and are anxious to resume playing on a full-time basis after having to endure a pandemic-shortened season last winter. Only two players – seniors Jake D’Ambrosio and James Clauto, both captains – are returning from last season’s varsity squad. Overall, the rest of the team is short on varsity experience and will find it a challenge to compete in the always-tough GBL. Clauto was Revere’s top scorer last year; D’Ambrosio is a strong all-around player; and senior Ihssan Mourouane, the other captain, is a skilled player who should make an impact in his first full varsity season.

  Despite their lack of playing time at the varsity level, the Patriots are relying on a number of seniors and juniors up from the junior varsity ranks, according to Leary. Jean Saint-Dick, Kenny Arango and Hamza Ghoul will be looked upon to provide strength up front and in the rebounding category. Ramadan Barry, Domenic Boudreau and Sal DeAngelis provide solid defense and are effective outside shooters. Alejandro Hincapie should help out with his defense and overall intense play.

  Leary cited several other JV players as possible contributors to this year’s team. He added that the players have worked hard in the offseason with workouts and by competing in area leagues. Leary said he’s seen tremendous growth and looks forward to seeing what the Patriots can accomplish this winter.

  Revere played its second game at Somerville on Thursday (after press deadline) and hosts Lynn Classical on Tuesday. Later in the season, the Patriots get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at TD Garden, the home of the Celtics, on Jan. 16 when they tip off against the Hamilton-Wenham Generals.