By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Dutchmen basketball team is starting with a clean slate for the 2009-10 season after losing most of its top scorers from a year ago.

Entering practice on Monday, Head Coach Ron Osinski did not have a starting line up in mind and had no predictions for Guilderland’s upcoming season in the Suburban Council.

“My seniors from last year had major minutes and these guys coming back didn’t play any significant roles,” said Osinski before practice got underway. Starters Jon Terry, Kevin Kost, Chris Mannarino, Pat Quinn, and Isaiah Folds all graduated. “We have very little game experience,” Osinski said. “I don’t know what to expect.”

Seniors Josh Murray and Ryan Ochs would have lodged more minutes last year, but both players had injuries. Andrew Brown, Mike Drislane, Anthony Gallo, Nate Sentz, and Joe Terry round out the returning seniors.

However, Osinski is pleased with the off-season effort of the returning players. “We had some meetings and they worked hard at camps and in the open gym,” he said. “They didn’t take things lightly and it looks like they got better. It was all I could ask for.”

New to the Dutch team are senior Dallis Mahoney and juniors Justin Horny, Jordan Weeden, Brendan Doak, Trevor Nelson, and Chris Yankowski. The team has 13 members.

“Tryouts took a lot longer than usual this time,” said Osinski. “We were looking at many different kids with different abilities. We have some good athletes.”

Practice is intense for the Guilderland players because Osinski hasn’t decided on a starting squad yet. “I’m looking for a unit that plays aggressive on defense,” he said. “We need guys that can play with heart, chemistry, and make things happen out there on the court. We need to be able to drain shots and drive the lane.”

The Dutchmen hope to win games this year without a proven scorer on the floor. The established scoring of Jon Terry and Kost is now a distant memory.

“Now, opponents don’t have a guy to lock on to. That could be either good or bad,” Osinski said. “We should be all right if we can score at least 50 points a game. It’s all about sharing the ball this season.”

Guilderland finished the 2008-09 campaign with a 84-to-42 loss to non-league foe Bishop Maginn in the second round of the Class AA sectionals. As for teams in the league, Shenendehowa has gotten Osinski’s attention. “They seem to be head and shoulders above everyone,” he said.

The Dutch won a scrimmage over Voorheesville, but Osinski is nowhere near sold. Not until his team can win actual games.

“We’re an inexperienced basketball team, but not young. I don’t want to predict anything,” said Osinski. “All I can say is that these kids have no egos and they’re good listeners. There isn’t a great disparity between all 13 of these players and they’ve gained confidence. We’re going to build off that.”