Burrell boys hope to use long playoff run as building block

By: Jon Ramsey
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | 3:12 PM

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Experience and identity are going to be keys for coach Mike Fantuzzo and the Burrell boys basketball team this season.

Experience was gained when Fantuzzo’s squad made it all the way to the WPIAL Class 3A championship game last season. The Bucs came into the playoffs as the No. 11 seed and knocked off third-seeded Shady Side Academy and second-seeded Mohawk before losing to top-seeded Deer Lakes in the final.

“It’s a really good group that has gotten a lot of experience. They’ve been there with that team last year,” Fantuzzo said. “They’ve seen what it takes to get to that point. We have strong shooters, kids that can play defense, and they gave our varsity team a run for their money.”

Playing to their identity is also key for the Bucs.

“We are going to play a half-court offensive game and run our stuff,” Fantuzzo said. “Teams commented last year that once we get into our half-court set and we’re running our screens and our offense, we’re very hard to defend.

“We know teams are going to try and speed us up to force us into quick shots, so we have to play very disciplined. Plus, we have a very fast group this year, and we’re going to try and play a little faster on the defensive end.”

Burrell finished 16-9 overall last season and went 8-4 in Section 3-3A.

The top returner for Burrell is the only returning starter, senior guard Tucker Bitar.

Newcomers for the Bucs include juniors Sam Conte, a guard, and forward Gavyn Orr.

“Conte was our JV point guard, and he’s really proven that he can handle the ball,” Fantuzzo said. “He gives Tucker that extra support, especially in the backcourt when he needs it.”

Fantuzzo went on to describe Conte’s play style, saying, “He’s a very smart player, plays really strong defense and handles the ball really well.”

Orr is set to provide the size the Bucs need in the paint.

“He’s about 6-3. Just has a natural touch around the hoop to score, gets a lot of offensive boards and does good things on that end as well,” Fantuzzo said.

Fantuzzo has a simple plan for how his team can continue to improve after the run it made last season.

“We just have to follow the game plan, listen and play our style of basketball,” he said. “We’re going to have a lot of teams trying to push us into playing their style and do what we don’t want to do that will make us unsuccessful.”

Burrell boys at a glance

Coach: Mike Fantuzzo

Last year’s record: 16-9 (8-4 Section 3-3A)

Top returners: Tucker Bitar (Sr., PG)

Top newcomers: Sam Conte (Jr., PG), Gavyn Orr (Jr., F)

Tags: Burrell