Basketball Preview

Goldbacks still have plenty of returning firepower

By Mike Zummo
Posted 11/30/23

The Newburgh Free Academy boys’ basketball team reached the New York State Public High School Athletic Association quarterfinals in Jason McAllister’s first year as the program’s …

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Basketball Preview

Goldbacks still have plenty of returning firepower

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The Newburgh Free Academy boys’ basketball team reached the New York State Public High School Athletic Association quarterfinals in Jason McAllister’s first year as the program’s head coach.

This year, McAllister will face his second season without some key players from last year’s team.

Gone are 6-foot-8 forward Deondre Johnson, now playing Division I football at Rutgers University, along with point guard Aidan Brown now playing at Polk State, a Division I junior college. Key rebounder Darryl Jackson also graduated from last year’s team.

However, the Goldbacks return plenty of firepower in 3-point threats Elnathan Johnson and Jaydan Lorenzo. Johnson was a Section 9 all-star, and a Basketball Coaches Association of New York All-Star, and Lorenzo was an all-section and Class AA all-state honorable mention. The Goldbacks also return Nae-Shawn Moody, a 6-foot-6 forward, Ryan Cameron and Jakari Lamb.

There will be plenty of new players this year: James Thorpe, Shaun Gonzalez, Bryce Marshall, Alejandro Florentino, Legend Jones, Stephen Jones, Mardochee Forestal and Ethan Tyson.

“This season we have a great mix of returners and newcomers,” McAllister said. “We are trying to prepare to be the best team we can be.”

The Goldbacks’ short-term goal is to “win the day”, control what they can and accomplish their long-term goal, which is return to the Section 9 championship game. The Goldbacks – a longtime Class AA team – will play in the new Class AAA as the NYSPHSAA expanded to six classes this year.

“With the phenomenal support that our great coaching staff, families, loved ones and community provide, I believe we can have a successful season,” McAllister said.

Girls
The Newburgh girls’ team, meanwhile, is looking to get back on track this season after a 3-16 season last year, and coach Arturo Santana is expecting a “fun year” in 2023-24.

The team graduated Valerie Churns and Serenity Robinson, while returning Terri’nashjae Burden and Amelia Turner. Noelle Roberts and Desirae Rice will join the team for the first time this year.

“We are a young and athletic team that is looking to surprise Section 9,” Santana said. “The girls work hard and are determined to do well.”