Prep Profiles – Winchendon

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Thursday, September 27th, 2007

A lot can change in a year, and that is certainly the case at the Winchendon School.  Head Coach Mike Byrnes brings only two players back from last year’s squad while welcoming 13 new players including 8 from other countries.  The United States, Romania, Turkey, Spain, Croatia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Gabon, and the Sudan are all represented on this year’s team. 

The biggest addition, both literally and figuratively, is John Riek, a 7’2” center who previously played at Our Savior New America in New York after coming to this country from the Sudan.  After putting on a dominating performance at the Lebron James Skills Academy this summer, Riek emerged as one of the nation’s top players in the class of 2008. 

But he will be far from a one man show as Winchendon has one of the most balanced rosters we have seen so far this year. 

“The biggest difference from last year to this year is obviously the foreign kids,” said Coach Byrnes.  “We have kids from 8 different countries so the biggest challenge is getting them to gel.  But most of them know how to play, they are all unselfish, and as a team we are farther along in the process, at this time of year, then we have been in the 12 years that I have been here.” 

In terms of being unselfish and knowing how to play, Ozan Dilik is definitely leading by example.  Dilik is a 6’5” point guard from Turkey whose feel for the game is absolutely off the charts.  He has the uncanny ability to make those around him better as he creates shots for teammates on all parts of the floor.  If that weren’t enough Dilik is only a sophomore and should consequently hold down the starting point guard position for the next three years. 

Dilik’s size at the point guard position gives Coach Byrnes the option to do a couple of different things in the backcourt.  Anthony Raffa, a 6’1” combo guard from New Jersey who has already committed to Albany, may get the starting nod as he is said to having a tremendous fall.  But Janzy Cruz has also played to rave reviews since arriving and when paired with Dilik could give the team the type of two guard front that could push the ball up the floor like Winchendon teams of old.  Andrei Mandache is a versatile guard who is also expected to see a good deal of minutes.  Meanwhile Eric Lenahan is a sharp-shooting two guard who will likely serve as a zone buster while Charles Jourson is a hard nosed player from Spain who shows a great understanding of the game.   

The frontcourt will obviously be anchored by Riek in the middle as he will immediately change the game on both ends of the floor.  However, the squad shouldn’t miss a beat when the big man goes to the bench as another 7-footer, John Hegarty, will likely step in for him.  Hegarty may benefit more then any other player on the roster by Riek’s arrival as he now has a chance to practice against the defensive monster every day.  Hegarty looked terrific on Thursday, showing expert footwork on the block in addition to his traditional power. 

The power forward spot appears up for grabs as Romeric Lasme and Luis Leao are both playing well.  Leao is more of skilled face up four man who should really allow his team to space the floor around their big men.  Meanwhile when Lasme is in the game with Riek, the duo will likely be the most potent shot blocking tandem in the country.  Competition could get even steeper at this position as Omod Oman, a highly regarded 6’9” player from Ethiopia, is expected to arrive next week.  Thon Goak is another player who will provide depth in the frontcourt. 

Larry Anderson should likely be penciled in at the small forward position as the California native is both athletic and skilled.  Justin Graham, Tim Russell, and Ivan Gombovic are players who could all see action off the bench in the swing spots.  Graham is a Massachusetts native who was particularly impressive on Thursday, and is said to have been a very pleasant surprise to the Winchendon coaching staff throughout fall workouts. 

All in all, Riek’s presence would make any team an immediate contender.  But what makes this Winchendon team so impressive is that they have talent and depth at every spot on the floor.  More then that, their cohesiveness as a team is well ahead of schedule, and that could result in a very exciting season for Coach Byrnes’ squad.