Dialog reporter
CLAYMONT — The Auks struggled through a 7-13 season in 2015-16 and eye a return to the state tournament this year under veteran coach Bill Ludlow. He will depend on point guard Andrew Pinto, who is entering his third year on varsity, guard Colin Lynch, the team’s second-leading scorer last year, and Kevin Olsen, Sean McGonigle and Marc Gorum, role players who will be counted on to contribute a bit more. All are seniors. Juniors Adam Barksdale, Ryan Walsh, Tyler Faulkner and Sean Kelly will “hopefully step up this season and help the cause,” Ludlow said.
Ludlow, entering his third season at Archmere and 36th overall, said he has tried to establish a foundation at the school, and part of that was the return of freshmen basketball last season. That will bring stability and talent to the varsity level, he said.
The Auks open Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at Wilmington Christian. Once again this year, they will play in a Christmas tournament at Garnet Valley (Pa.), and they also travel to Salesianum and St. Elizabeth. Opponents making their way to Moglia Fieldhouse include Delaware Military Academy, Caravel and St. Mark’s. Ludlow is hopeful the team will be in contention for a playoff berth.
“This season we will be competitive every night we play,” he said. “With a little luck and a lot of effort, we will be in the mix in February.”
