If the 2003 Skyline Men’s basketball team looks a little different this year to you, your eyes are working perfectly. The Trojans will hit the hardwood this year with a brand new squad. When I say “brand new,” that is exactly what I mean. There is not one player on this year’s team who is returning from last year. This year’s team features ten freshmen players and only four sophomores. Of those 10 freshmen, three will be in the starting line-up. All four sophomore players were either “red shirt” or part of another program last year.

“This team is very inexperienced but they are eager to learn and that is a good sign,” said Assistant Coach Tony Fleres. The team did not do well in their first contest of the season, a 60-74 loss to Santa Rosa College.

“Santa Rosa is one of the highest ranked teams in the state so that was a tough test. I think this team will play a lot better in future games,” Fleres said.

Skyline did receive solid play from sophomore starting point guard Matt Mitchell. Mitchell, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, contributed with 18 points and dished out four assists.

“Matt is very talented but just like everyone else on the team he is learning and will need more game experience,” Fleres said. Mitchell, along with freshman Reggie Mcculler who is from Brooklyn, New York, will make up the backcourt as the two starting guards. Sophomore Sal Vance (Oakland) and freshman Aaron Anderson (San Mateo) will take on the forward duties. Also from Brooklyn is Freshman Jason Peters, who will run the Center position. The team will also receive good help off the bench when sophomore forward Markel Abram comes into the game. Abram scored 18 points in the loss against Santa Rosa. Look for him to possibly be in the starting line-up as the season progresses.

What Skyline will miss the most from last year’s team is the departure of the 6’7, 230 pound forward Tremaine Fuqua. Fuqua averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds for the team last year and helped lead the Trojans to the second round of post-season play. Fuqua is now playing Division I hoops for Oklahoma State University.

All in all, the coaches feel good about this year and expect another successful year.

“As long as these guys are willing to learn new things, I am happy and so is the rest of the coaching staff,” said Head Coach Tony Raffetto.

Skyline’s first home game will take place on Nov. 20 as they play San Jose City College.