Basketball Pats readies for 2024 season with confidence, senior leadership

By Dom Nicastro

The Revere High School boys basketball team is entering the winter season with determination and a renewed sense of purpose. After finishing 6-14 last year, Coach Dave Leary and his team are looking to make a mark in the Greater Boston League (GBL) and beyond.

Leading the charge for Revere this season are three senior captains: Ethan Day, Josh Mercado and Avi Lung. Day, the team’s top scorer last year, brings not just points but relentless effort to the court. As a junior, the GBL all-star averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season – a dramatic improvement from his sophomore year. A varsity player since his freshman year, Day is poised to guide the Patriots to a stronger season.

Mercado, who is known for his on-ball defensive skills and ability to disrupt opponents, is another seasoned veteran. He’s joined by Lung, the starting point guard, whose quick drives to the basket and exceptional court vision make him a key playmaker. Despite battling injury as a sophomore, Lung’s experience and athleticism will be critical to the team’s success.

The senior core also includes Erik Mayorga, who moves into a starting role at center after gaining valuable experience off the bench last year. Jayden Balogun, a backup guard, is praised for his hustle and three-point shooting. Transfers Gio Alexandre (from Beverly) and Peter Decelien (from New Mission High School) add athleticism and depth, while Noah Ramos brings intensity and rebounding off the bench.

  Junior forward Devin Berry, the fifth starter, provides crafty scoring around the basket. Juniors Isaiah Llanos and Nick Rupp bolster the bench, with Llanos excelling as a three-point shooter and Rupp contributing with his quickness and strong defense. Zaney Kayembe, another junior, is a versatile player who can rebound, block shots and step out for a three-pointer when needed.

The underclassmen also bring promise. Sophomore Nico Cespedes has quickly developed into a solid center, showcasing high energy and a commitment to improvement. Fellow sophomore Dane Amine is an on-ball defender whose speed and agility mirror that of captain Mercado.

  The GBL has introduced a two-tier structure, splitting teams into large and small divisions. Revere competes in the small division alongside Medford, Chelsea and Somerville. This setup gives the Patriots more flexibility to schedule non-league games, allowing them to face midlevel competition from other conferences and tournaments. They’ll have 18 total games, eight of which will be non-leaguers.

The Patriots open their season against Everett, a team they battled closely last year. Other notable matchups include Tewksbury, Chelmsford and the Malden Christmas Tournament, where Revere will face East Boston in the first round.

  “If we can rebound as a group and lean on our experienced guards, we can be competitive,” said Coach Leary. “The key is starting strong and avoiding the slow starts we had last year.”

With eight seniors, four juniors and two sophomores, the Patriots have a balanced roster that blends experience with youthful energy. While they may not be the tallest team, their defensive intensity and athleticism are sure to keep opponents on their toes.

Revere’s journey begins this Thursday against Everett, and the team is eager to take the court and prove they belong in the GBL conversation.

“The non-league schedule is bigger this year, and with our returning experience at guard positions, I think we can compete with anyone,” Leary said. “If we put it all together, I truly believe we can be a tournament team.”