SCRANTON — Lackawanna Trail boasts the size and experience that make the Lions the top threat to a highly regarded Elk Lake team’s title defense in Division 3 of Lackawanna League boys basketball.
“We have some size and athleticism and we’re going to be physical this year,” Lions coach Ben Domiano said during an interview at Coaches vs. Cancer Media Day Nov. 23 at the Lackawanna College Student Union.
The first thing that stands out with the Lions is that they are starting two 6-foot-6 sophomores, Lucas Filipek and Logan Seigle.
Domiano said there is more to his team.
“We definitely have a different look,” he said. “I think we have the most athletic athletes that I’ve had in six years. We’re young, but we’re experienced.”
Filipek and 6-2 junior Jimmy Phillips were second and third on the team in scoring and 3-pointers behind graduated all-star and 1,000-point career scorer Jake Antolick.
Hayden Bluhm, who was a regular part of the rotation, and Seigle, who gained some experience, are both expected to start as sophomores.
Seigle is coming off summer league play in which he showed he is ready for the increased role.
“Logan has worked extremely hard this year in the weight room and in the offseason on his skills,” Domiano said. “He’s going to surprise a lot of people.”
Ashton Thiel, who despite injury issues served as the back-up last season, takes over running the offense from the point guard position.
Senior Ethan Gorton is also battling for a spot, but could end up serving as the sixth man.
“He brings senior leadership and a physical style of play as well,” Domiano said.
The Lions will have a size advantage on most, if not all opponents, and plan to put it to use.
“When you have two guys that are 6-6 that are athletic, we’re going to pound the ball inside and work inside-out and let our athletic kids take us where we’re going to go,” Domiano said.
Last season, Lackawanna Trail went to Mohegan Sun Arena for the District 2 championship and advanced to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament in Class 2A. It was the first state tournament trip in 21 years and just the third in the last 38 seasons for the Lions.
Lackawanna Trail was 9-5 for third place out of eight teams in the division and went 14-12 overall.
The Lions had a rough time in their season opener Nov. 29, falling on the road to Lackawanna Division 1 member Delaware Valley 77-47.
Seigle scored 13 points and Filipek added 10.
