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NETHER PROVIDENCE >> Strath Haven’s 19-win season in 2015-16 ranked as one of the surprises in District 1. But as John Harrar surveyed the gym this week, he couldn’t help but notice that much of the depth that furnished that special season has moved on. Where scoring balance was the Panthers’ hallmark last year, Harrar finds himself as the focal point this year, the 6-foot-8 senior accompanied by just one returnee who played more than 12 games last year.
“We’re just trying to get people varsity experience, because we have some people who didn’t even get in last year (that are) starting” this year, Harrar said. “Once we pick that up, we’ll be fine.”
Harrar anticipated changes, with the matriculation of three starting seniors. Point guard Jahmeir Springfield’s transfer to Chester was an unexpected wrinkle. Though young talent waits in the wings, acclimating them to the rigors of varsity ball requires time. Harrar understands his task on and off the court. Last year, he served as a support scorer, one of several options in the post as the Panthers efficiently operated inside-out. With less proven shooters than Alex Ischiropoulos and Jayvon Green-Springfield, the spotlight is on Harrar to provide a larger share of the offense.
“I’m definitely doing more in the one-on-one game than I did last year, whether it’s in the post or on the elbow,” Harrar said. “I’m trying to take over the offense even with the loss of Jahmeir. … I need to score a lot more than I did last year.”
The other aspect Harrar will emphasize is leadership. He’s one of three seniors, along with Peter Foggo and Patrick O’Kane, both of whom played sparingly a season ago. (Junior Cooper Driscoll is the other Panther to see significant time, though Harrar and the 6-foot-5 forward may seldom be on the floor simultaneously.) Where Harrar, who is pursuing Division I interest as a defensive end in football, once deferred to elders, he’s now emerged as a vocal leader.
“He just tells us to stay confident and work hard throughout it,” O’Kane said. “If you’re hustling, you can’t do anything really wrong.”
“I tell them to have confidence,” Harrar said. “When I was younger, I never had confidence. I built that over the years, and I know that comes with time, but I tell them to ball out and have confidence and you’ll play your best game.”
The cupboard isn’t bare of talent. Junior guard Ryan Morris played well down the stretch last year and poses a viable perimeter threat. Chris Rosini could fill the point guard’s shoes, while All-Delco lacrosse player Jeff Conner has the athleticism to contribute. While the Panthers’ situation isn’t ideal, a dose of perspective is pertinent. Last year’s success, albeit ending in a first-round upset for the No. 8 seed in the District 1 Class 4A playoffs, followed five total wins in the previous two seasons. For vets who endured those struggles, relaying to youngsters how greatly the program has progressed figures significantly in the communication.
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