2021-22 Lehman Campus Season Preview
The 2021-2022 season for the PSAL high school boys varsity basketball is here and the Lions of Lehman Campus are expected to face it with a plethora of new players after graduating 9 seniors but as usual, they have optimism that the returning players will be ready to carry the load.
The Lions, with COVID restrictions sort of lifted, have been preparing vigorously and as per Head Coach Francisco Rivera, “We have new faces and we will come together, get better and continue to improve as the season goes on with the common goal of getting better and growing as a team. I’m excited to see how this group comes together.
Jalen Elfe 5’10, is a 3 year starting senior guard who will be in the familiar role of leader and at times the go to guy. Jalen has good range on his 3pt shot to go along with his ability to finish in the paint, find the open man and playing both ends of the court.
5’8 seniors Chevy Williams and Angel Arce are both pesky defenders with good range on their 3pt shots. They play a tough brand of basketball and are being looked at for Leadership on offense and tough nosed defense.
6’6 seniors Steven Mejia and Gio Maldonado roles will both expand this year. They are athletic, block shots well, rebound, and have the ability to get up and down the floor quickly. 6’3 senior Jordan Mills will provide size and touch from the post area.
6ft seniors Elijah Flores and Justin Santiago should provide the defensive spark the team will need to close out games. Both have the ability to get to the basket and space the defense with their shooting.
6ft juniors Marques Hutchinson and Jayquan Lee can both score in multiple ways while providing the team great versatility. 6’1 Junior Chris Lature is a streak shooter you will have to pay attention too. 6’2 Juniors Tyler Laqqueri and Arial Vargas are projects with some nice potential. Sophomore Jaziel Vargas, seniors Noel Villanueva and Andrew Sanchez, along with juniors Zishawn Strouble and Mike Waleh round out the team’s depth at the guard position.
The coaching staff has big aspirations for the team and feels this could be a surprisingly big year for the Lions. As per Coach Rivera, “Our goal is to compete to win the Bronx championship and make a long run in the City to give ourselves a chance at states. The main goal is to get each senior placed into college whether or not basketball is part of the equation. We have a few guys who should be able to play college basketball as they continue to grow.”