Cannoneers ready to reload on court

Expectations are high this season for the Jefferson Community College men's basketball team.

But before it can be determined if the Cannoneers will make another run to the Region 3 championship game, another important question must be answered.

How will they replace the roughly 55 points per game three outstanding guards produced during the successful campaign?

That number represents the scoring that now departed Chris Noel, Kadeem Nicholas and Dennis Oglesby provided as the Cannoneers finished the 2008-09 season with a 24-7 record.

Two games into this year's schedule, head coach Charlie Bridge likes what he's seen so far, in spite of a 20-point loss Sunday to SUNY Delhi.

"We lost to Delhi last year on opening night, too," he said this week. "We actually out rebounded them. And we missed 19 foul shots. That will kill you right there. I think we'll be fine."

Second-year players Nick D'Alessandro and James Biggs represent a pair of players Bridge expects to make signficantly more contributions this year than last.

Biggs, a 6-1 guard out of John F. Kennedy High School, was somewhat lost among the trio of JCC's former trio of perimeter standouts. He provided about 4.5 points per game, but spent most of the year playing unfamiliar positions.

Bridge, though, made extra efforts to get him on the floor, and Biggs excelled defensively, tallying 34 steals. The Bronx native seems to have adjusted, so far, to increased offensive responsibilities with 13.0 points per game in two outings.

"James can easily be a 15-16 point scorer at the 2 spot," Bridge said. "He's moving to a more natural position where he's good off the ball and attacking the rim."

This year's JCC squad may again take on a guard-oriented look.

In addition to Sackets Harbor's D'Alessandro and Biggs, Bridge has recruited 6-5 Terence Henderson from the Bronx to join speedy Collis Maddox (Utica Proctor) in the backcourt.

Henderson, as was former All-American Noel, is a product of Wadleigh High School, and expects to do a majority of the ball handling. His presence will be strikingly different from Noel's 5-6, 140-pound frame at the point.

"But he's very good with the ball," Bridge said.

"We're going to play similarly to last year. I don't think we have as much top-end speed, but I actually think we're a little more athletic, overall."

Biggs said the Cannoneers attacked the basket well during Sunday's loss, and also that he thinks this team will be a bit deeper off the bench.

He added that JCC can, and should, improve defensively as the season progresses. He said that being outscored 33-24 from the free throw line Sunday is unacceptable.

"We have to play better man-to-man, and not be lazy on defense," Biggs said. "Keep our man in front, and play better help on defense so we're not having to reach all the time."

Women's basketball

Coach:Jen Williams (3rd year).

2008-09 record:9-14 overall.

Outlook:The Cannoneers' women's squad, like the men, are off to a 1-1 start. Guard Nicole Perry leads the team in scoring with 32 points in the two games. The roster is made up of a strong group of city standouts, as nine of the 10 players are from Watertown High School or Immaculate Heart Central.