The Clark University men’s basketball team exceeded expectations with an 11-14 (5-7 NEWMAC) finish. With a new head coach at the helm – Paul Phillips in his second stint – a revamped system and a novice team, the Cougars were resilient in their climb up the conference standings. After holding the sixth spot in league play for three straight weeks, Clark won four out of its last five NEWMAC games, including a road victory and post-game coin toss over MIT, to secure the fourth seed in the conference tournament. It marked the first time the men hosted the quarterfinals in two years. However, Clark had its tournament hopes dashed with a 64-53 loss to MIT in the opening round.
A team comprised of just two seniors and a huddle of underclassmen, Clark’s growing pains were highlighted with 12 games decided by eight points or less. The Cougars, whose schedule featured a pair of New York tournaments and three nationally ranked opponents, put together a string of three straight victories to start the year and defeated eventual NEWMAC Champion Coast Guard Academy twice (102-91 2OT & 55-53). First-year Mark Alexander, the team’s leading scorer, capped the year with a second-team All-Conference nod.
A new regime begins for the Clark University men’s basketball team. After two years away from the hardwood, head coach Paul W. Phillips returns for his ninth season and second stint at the Cougar helm. Inheriting a squad that posted a mediocre 11-15 overall record and 4-8 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) mark last season, Phillips hopes to take the first step in guiding Clark back to regional prominence.
“Our goal has to be realistic,” said Phillips. “We’re going to try and win every game we play, but we have to earn our stripes. You don’t become a private to a five-star general overnight. You have to step up through the ranks, and that’s what we intend to do.”
While adjusting to a new coach and a revamped system may take time, Phillips is excited about the team’s long-term potential. One of the biggest challenges will be replacing departed stars, Tim Dutile (15.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Cory Szklarz (14.6 ppg), who finished first and second in scoring, respectively, last season. However, a benefactor of a solid recruiting class, plus the return of nine letter-winners, Phillips and Co. look to utilize overall team speed to run away from the competition.
“We have to make a commitment to our style of play,” said Phillips, who led the Cougars to four NEWMAC championships (1999, 2001-03) during his first term. “We need to run the floor, and most importantly, stop teams defensively by doubling and forcing an off-tempo game.”
Aiding in that effort are Clark’s newest floor generals, freshmen Matt McLaughlin and Reed Powell. McLaughlin, a two-year captain at Tabor Academy in Rochester, Mass., has surprised the coaching staff with his work-ethic, while Powell, a Worcester native and first-ever 1,000-point scorer at University Park Campus, is noted for his hard-nosed play. Both players will make offensive contributions with their ability to shoot the trey. Phillips has several options at the off-guard spot, including D.J. Brinn, a returning starter, who has outside range and is one of the most consistent performers on the squad. Back after a two-year respite, senior Gunnar Hagstrom will add veteran presence. Sophomore Byron Roberts will insert quickness to the two-spot. Second-year player Salvatore DeMarco will also be in the rotation.
The list of forward candidates is just as impressive. An unselfish and intense competitor, junior Pat Ochoa is a sure-fire weapon on the wing. His ability to slash to the basket or pull up for the jumper, as well as his defensive prowess, will go a long way in determining the Cougars’ fate. Senior Asher Cowan, a three-point threat, and newcomers Mark “Duda” Alexander, a two-time Most Valuable Player at Marianapolis (R.I.) Prep., and Portsmouth (R.I.) High School’s 2005 County Player of the Year Slader Lyell, will figure prominently in Clark’s plans. First-year player J.P. Phillips, a member of St. John’s (Mass.) 2005 District Quarterfinals team and Coach Phillips’ son, will also be in the mix.
Dominique Beck (9.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), an all-around performer, will be entrusted with the power forward job. In addition to his inside game, Beck’s versatility will allow Phillips to utilize his talents at the off-guard slot depending on game match-ups. Junior Gervais Barger will also see ample playing time at the position. Pat Landers and Peter Normandin will make for a menacing pair in the middle with their contrasting styles. Phillips expects their opposing skill and talent to cause serious concerns for opponents. “It’s great because they are completely different from one another,” he said. “It’s like having a knuckleball and fastball pitcher in your line-up.”
While a competitive NEWMAC and non-conference schedule, including two New York tournaments, are in the future, Phillips is optimistic about the season ahead.
“Our goal is to get better with each practice and with each game, and to be playing our best basketball by the end of the year.”