Norwalk brings attitude of hope into new season

NORWALK — From the day the gym was unlocked, there’s been a different feeling around the Norwalk High boys basketball program.

Seventh-year head coach Tom Keyes can’t quite put his finger on it, but he likes it.

“Being at practice, there’s just a different feeling around this team,” Keyes said. “I’m not saying we’re a great team by any means. I’m not saying we’re a title contender right now. But after what we’ve done the last two years, there is definitely optimism.”

Two seasons have passed since Norwalk played for the FCIAC title. But in those two seasons, the Bears have won just nine games, losing 31 over the course of two seasons.

This year’s team — with just four seniors, two returning from a year ago — could turn that trend around, though.

Seniors Joey Benincaso and Conner Masterpietro join juniors Zyaire Sellers, a point guard, and Jadyn Grant as captains.

Benincaso and Masterpietro, both guards, both saw substantial minutes last season.

“They’ve been in the program for four years, so they’ve been around a while,” Keyes said. “We’ll be looking at them for leadership.”

Two other seniors are returning to the program after a year away, including guards Tyrique Langley — who saw a lot of playing time as a sophomore — and Izaiah Lopez.

Langley has proved he can drop double digits on anybody in the league, but Keyes knows he’s just one player on a team of 13 looking to make a difference.

“He’s a good kid and he’s done everything we’ve asked of him,” Keyes said. “A lot of people are expecting him to have a good year.”

In the middle, Xavier Vines gives Norwalk an old-school big man … if 6-foot-3 can be called big these days.

“He plays the game the way it was 20 years ago,” Keyes said. “He’s not afraid to go up against bigger guys. He plays hard, he’s a great teammate.”

Beyond that, the Bears aren’t very big.

But they are deep.

Juniors Dylan Polka and Malique Stevens will see time along with sophomores Jamal Boyd, Jahmai Green, Treyjon Lewis and Aaron Epps.

Lewis and Epps are the first two bigs off the bench.

“We can go nine or 10 deep,” Keyes said.

Defense will be the key to the season.

“We’ve just gotten away from playing good defense the past year or two,” Keyes said. “That’s on the coaching staff. That’s on me. We’re trying to make a better effort. If we can do that, we’ll be all right.”

As for the season, while Keyes knows the highs and lows 20 games can bring, he knows his squad has to approach things one game at a time.

“If you look at the big picture, it’s a goal of the kids to try and get back to FCIACs,” he said.

Over the course of the preseason, though, he likes what he’s seen.

“They’re good kids. They play hard,” he said. “We’re a little undersized. Maybe some people will want to count us out. We just need to focus on getting better every day.”

The Bears make a long road trip to New Milford on Monday to open the season.

jnash@hearstmediact.com