Kingsmen Are in the Playoffs, Eyeing League Title

Despite ending the regular season with a modest record of 9-5, going 5-3 in League V play, the boys of the Kings Park varsity basketball team dispelled playoff doubts and earned a place in the brackets.

At the forefront of the Kingsmen’s success this season has been “Mr. Everything,” Nick Borkowski, the team’s leading scorer who has averaged close to 17 points per game.

“Nick’s done everything you could ask of a player,” said Kings Park coach Dave Shouler. “He’s the guy who takes care of everything and he does so much that we’re trying to find ways to make him not work so hard.”

James Clutter, a senior who is averaging 11 points has had some big games for the Kingsmen this season, most recently with his 20-point performance in a win over Islip.

“James has had some big games for us lately and he’s the type of forward who also hits the glass well and gets his rebounds,” Shouler said. “He’s been hot lately and we’re hoping we can keep him going.”

Henry Baker, who may be the team leader, is another key asset to the Kingsmen, playing superb defense while also distributing the ball to the forwards.

 “Henry is worth a lot of points, just because of what he does on the court for us. He sacrifices a lot and he’s a big reason why we’re 9-5 this season. Henry’s a real hustler who is very tough on the floor," Shouler said.

Add in the play of Kings Park’s sixth man Craig Jeudy, a sophomore averaging 11 points per game, and the Kingsmen have reason to believe they will finish strong in the playoffs.

“Craig’s a real scrappy basketball player who also grabs a lot of rebounds for a guard,” Shouler said. “He’s become a student of the game this season and he has great things ahead of him if he continues to work at it. Craig’s been a great free-throw shooter, making some clutch shots for us on the road.”

Shane O’Leary, a senior has been a significant contributor off the bench this season along with juniors Stephen Wibben and Kevin Neglia. Freshman John Li has also shown promise.

“The junior class is pretty talented, they just have to continue to put in the work,” Shouler said. “The kids committed to playing in the spring and summer and they improved their games because of that. We’re not a real big team this year and they’ve adapted nicely to our new up-tempo style of play. Everybody’s contributed and that’s a great thing.”