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By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
After failing to qualify for the state tournament in 2018-2019, the Walpole High School boys varsity basketball team enters this season looking for a rebound year.
Leading the Rebels in 2019-2020 will be junior point guard and captain Jack Connell, who flourished last season as a sophomore with pristine ball-handling skills. After losing departed seniors such as Matt Falvey and Cam Schlittler, the Rebels will be a young team this season in terms of varsity playing experience. However, in terms of senior leadership, the Rebels will have plenty of upperclassmen to guide them, as several players are returning from a two-year break.
Along with Connell, the Rebels get back senior forward Drew Von Klock, who expects a big turnaround from he and his teammates this season.
“Our goal is to make noise around the league and get wins,” said Von Klock when asked about his team’s general goals and expectations for the season. “Generally, we want to win the league and qualify for the [state] tournament, then make a long run deep into the playoffs for the common goal of winning a state championship.”
When it comes to filling in the voids of departed talent like Falvey and Schlittler, Von Klock acknowledges that he and his teammates have a lot of work ahead of them. Despite that, the Rebels enter the season confident in the talent they possess, as well as the coaching they are being given.
“A bunch of us just came back from a two-year absence of not playing high school basketball,” said Von Klock. “So, we are very young, but we are also talented. We should hopefully put together a very good season.”
The Rebels will travel to face non-league rival Medfield on December 19.
For funny and insightful sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram @flano0.
