Jake Orlin The winter is finally here. Though basketball is limited because of the NBA lockout, Latin School students will be able to enjoy their very own basketball teams. After Thanksgiving break, we should be expecting a fun and exciting basketball season along with our heavy snow. The boy’s varsity basketball team, led by captains Chaz Stevenson and Ethan Lee, is currently practicing and preparing for the year’s upcoming challenges with rigorous practices. The head coach, David VanderMeulen, along with the assistance of coach Aubrey Denard, have been assembling a skilled squad.   Though the team has lost some starters from the class of 2011, such as Sam Austin and Andrew Crown, the players in the current senior class are talented and athletic. Both of the captains put up impressive numbers last season and are hoping to finish their high school careers with superb results. Chaz Stevenson led the team last year in points by averaging 19.5 points a game, also shooting 42 percent from the perimeter. Ethan Lee led the team in rebounds last year, averaging 7.6 rebounds a game. He also led the team with blocks, having 39 rejections in the 25-game season.  Another key player is Liam Farley. His ability to dunk is not his only impressive attribute he brings to the team as he also went to state in the three point contest. The current junior was the third highest scorer on the team last season. Other seniors such as Justin Kaplan, Grant Simon, Aaron Kwayke, and Kunal Koppula, Tommy Cox, and Britt Henderson are assisting the team with outstanding hustle, shooting, defense, and rebounding.   Head coach David VanderMeulen’s goal for this year is “to get better as the season progresses”. Coach VanderMeulen hopes to not only get off to a good start, but to keep improving. He has confidence that his team can perform as “we are perfectly capable of winning the league this year.” With a strong senior class, and help from key players off the bench, the Romans should be able to have a successful season. The first game of the season will be at home on November 28^th against Muchin Prep.    ]]>