When describing someone who has thrived on the court, court, or ice at any time in the past two years, the first word that comes to mind is "come and calm." Patience is another matter. Since the last basketball season, a season without any state championships, there have been two separate football games. How does this work in the vast sports world?
Finally, it's time for local basketball players. Almost all autumn (and autumn II) are behind us. Winter is coming.
With this, as we start in December and move towards 2022, the following are the Daily News All-Star players who returned the most last year and the players to watch in the upcoming 2021-22 season. Everyone is ready to play a bigger role in the coming winter.
Last winter, it seemed easy for the senior to jump from the joint venture company to the college team. In the process, he was recognized by the Daily News All-Star. Magliaro is a defender. He averaged the longest minutes per game for the Mustangs, averaging 15 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in 12 games at Medway. He shot 42% from three-pointers, 48% from the arc, and 84% from free throws. "His progress from the (sophomore) season to this season is outstanding," Medway coach Eric Copland said. "He is a player whose opponent coach needs to make a game plan." Mariaro was named an All-Star and Team MVP of the Three Valleys League.
Last winter, as a sophomore for the Red Hawks, this hoop made a sensation on the way to the "Daily News" All-Star Game. Mela is a double-double machine in the 2020-21 season, averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game, and was also selected to the Bay State All-Star Game. In the victory over Weston at the end of the season, Mela dunked 3 times.
"Ryan is a growing basketball player with amazing vision and excellent ability to finish the basket," Natick coach Mike Masto said. "His instincts are very special." Mela, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall, also plays AAU basketball for the Gulf State Jaguars.
Even with a balanced offense around him, Rinaldi proved to be one of the most productive scorers in the Three Valleys League on his way to the Daily News All-Star nod last winter. Rinaldi averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, earned a place in the TVL All-Star team, and helped his team to a 9-2 overall record.
"He is an excellent transition finisher, and his ability to score inside is steadily improving," DS coach Rick Grady said. Entering the third year of college starting, Rinaldi also played AAU basketball for the Middlesex Magic. Rinaldi even runs a company that sells basketball jerseys.
Jake Rymsza (Ashland); Ryan Flauto (Blackstone Valley Technology); Nate Casper (Hopkinton); Kyle O'Connell (Lincoln Sudbury); Antonio Santiago (Marlborough) ; Liam Harrigan (MEDWAY); Matthew Fiala (Milliis); Tabish Hussein (Westborough)
Tim Whelan Jr. is the regional sports director for Wicked Local and Daily News. Follow him on Twitter @thattimwhelan.