Overachievers face new challenge

BRAINTREE -- This was supposed to be the year for the Archbishop Williams High School boys' basketball team.

Guard Lambros Papalambros remembers how, as a freshman, he quickly realized the talents of his teammates. They became friends, on and off the court. They played together on AAU teams. They expected that their senior year would be the season they could make school history.

In the end, the group pulled it off, but a year ahead of plan. "Last year, I think we just snuck up on everyone," Papalambros said.

The Bishops, a junior-dominated team last year, won their first Catholic Central League title since 1989 and reached the Division 3 state semifinals for the first time in school history.

The Bishops realized their potential last January when they came from behind to defeat league rival Cardinal Spellman, 54-52, courtesy of then-sophomore Ricky Titus's 3-pointer in the final seconds. They ended the season undefeated in the league and went on to claim the South Sectional title. In the state semifinals, the team led at halftime, but turnovers led to a 60-57 loss against Minuteman Regional.

"At first we didn't expect to make it that far," said senior forward James Marcellus. "Last year was a big surprise, but we realized we could play with a lot of teams in the state."

Two players graduated from that team, and the Bishops are looking to advance one step and reach the state championship this season. Eight seniors are back and make up an experienced core that also earned a school-best 22-3 record last season. But they realize that to get back to the tournament will require hard work, and that expectations are high.

"Last year is history, and we need to start all over and prove ourselves again," says Archbishop Williams coach Ged Phelan .

Phelan would like to take advantage of the team's size. The post is manned by Marcellus, who is 6-6, 225 pounds and known for shot blocking and rebounds. He can also muscle his way to the basket for points.

Senior forwards Kevin Walsh (6-3, 185 pounds) and Jake Hass (6-3, 225 pounds) fill in for extra rebounding, and Titus and Papalambros can boost their team from the 3-point line.

Senior Doug Myers is described by teammates as the player who will take a charge or dive for loose balls. Other seniors include guard Conor Cavanaugh and forwards Andrew McEntee, Branden Morris, and Joe Clark.

"Our key last year was our defense, and this year that is our strength," Phelan said.

Last year the players wore T-shirts that read "selfless."

The idea was for each player to "just want to win and not care about how many points they score," Phelan said.

The players agree with the concept and brought back the shirts this year.

The group is optimistic that their chemistry can help lead them to another record season, as long as they remember, "we can't take anyone lightly," Myers said.

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