Devyn Arel bolted towards the rim: stone-faced with determination, eyes wide. He beat out Plainville’s defense with a quick layup, resulting in applause. It was the first applause of the year and of a new era in boys’ basketball.
The hype of change can begin with the Bobcat’s new coach in Jim Dargati. Dargati arrived at South Windsor after a 24 year stint at Loomis Chaffee and has brought some notable accolades and moral experience and has been a part of success that South Windsor covets to reach. At Loomis, he was the head coach for 14 years, coaching one of the premier teams in New England, taking them to a New England Championship in 2009. 39 of his former players went on to play college basketball.
Dargati has taken over a frustrated program that has won 10 games in the last five years, and he understands the challenge ahead. “It’s going to take time and patience but I think we can get it done,” he said. “I’ve told them that the past is the past. They’re hungry for success, and I look forward for the team to make improvements throughout the course of the season.” However, he says patience is key. “We’re not setting any long term goals right now,” he said. “We’re going to approach this season as a 20-rung ladder. We’re not going to circle any games on the schedule, but instead take it one game at a time.”
Dargati is impressed with the current team chemistry, and believes they will not have to fight internal conflict in the slightest. Instead, it will be an aspect that they rely on. “That’s something you can’t teach,” he said, “Teams either have it or they don’t. It’s something that comes from within.”
Dargati has developed offensive and defensive schemes that are new even to the returning players. He is focused on maximizing strength and minimizing weakness. He wants to execute in the half court, establish a patient approach to each game and envisions the team thriving if they can become a solid defensive and rebounding team.
Senior Ben Callahan has played varsity basketball since his freshman year and is optimistic about the new coach. “He [has] a lot of plays that we didn’t have last year,” he said. “He wants everything a certain way, and I think it’ll help us in the long run.”
Callahan also hopes that the younger players can contribute off the bench. “I would love the young guys to turn it around, and create a winning environment.” As much of a process as it will be in getting boys varsity basketball to full strength, he hopes that the team can make the playoffs.
Senior Jeff Czapla has transferred over from rival East Catholic and has been able to bring points in the paint and rebounding to the table early. Czapla along with Joe Hill make up the starting forward positions and are the giants of the front court.
Freshman Jake Donald according to Dargati is a strong power forward that has made early strides. He can be a player off the bench that fulfills Dargati's hope for defense and rebounding presence.
Callahan is a returning starter, along with Arel and starting guard Joe Tamburro. The team will have to press on without Adam LeClerc due to a leg injury, a senior who shot a good percentage last year and brought height.
A new era has begun in South Windsor, and a new plan has been set into motion. In time, boys basketball plans to emerge from the shadow of girls basketball and become a ferocious one-two punch. Something special may be brewing. The team is 6-4, already matching their win total from last year and has made an early push for a chance at a playoff position.
