Will is a newcomer to the Varsity squad who should make a major impact off the bench. Blessed with a tremendous shooting stroke, the coaches feel that any open shot for Will is an automatic bucket. In addition to his shooting stroke, Will has also proven the ability to get into the lane and make plays. On the defensive side, Will can pressure the basketball and he anticipates in passing lanes. Will's overall feel for the game should blend well with this unselfish Islander squad.

Nick returns for his third year with the Varsity team, having lettered last season as a junior. Voted unanimously by his teammates as a captain for 2013, Nick has truly EARNED his way into the varsity spotlight. Nick is arguably the hardest working Islander player, spending countless hours on his game when coaches and fans aren't looking. As an eighth grader, Nick was cut from the ETL squad. Through hard work, self-belief and a little luck in the genetic department, Nick is now a player poised for a breakout year. Nick leads the team vocally on both ends of the floor and has a knack for putting the ball in the basket from various spots on the court. Nick will play every position on the floor for the Islanders this season.

Jake steps in at point guard this season after a tremendous year with the JV's last year. Not only is Jake an effective ball handler, but he is also arguably the team's best shooter. In limited varsity action as a junior Jake lit up opponents from behind the arc when he came into games. On the defensive side, Jake is a constant ball hawk. Jake is a leader for this team, whose job will be to remain poised in the face of adversity and get the ball in the hands of the Islander scorers. He's up to the task.

Espen returns for his second year with the Varsity after contributing solid minutes off the bench last season. Espen is a physical specimen, working hard in the weight room in order to manipulate opponents around the basket. Blessed with a strong set of hands and good speed, one of Espen's strengths will be running the floor in transition. Don't be surprised to see Espen out ahead of opponents, streaking for easy buckets. In the half court, Espen has crafted a variety of tricky moves to keep the defense off balance. Look for Espen to have a fantastic senior season.

Nikhil enters the varsity stage having patiently stepped his way through the program at each level. Nikhil is an energy player on both ends of the floor. He rebounds hard, hustles for loose balls and dives on the floor with aggression looking for extra possessions. Offensively, Nikhil has developed a dependable mid-range jump shot to complement his game at the forward position. The Islanders are lucky to have a workhorse like Nikhil on the floor every day.

Alex begins his varsity basketball career coming off a very successful varsity career on the gridiron for the Islanders. Alex brings big energy and a solid understanding of the Islander system to the floor each night. A skilled passer, "Big Al" will also look to set up teammates and provides the squad with a player who knows how to fit into his role and complement the talent around him. Defensively, Alex will give his body up for the team by stepping in to stop dribble penetration. Alex will be headed to Cornell next year for football, but the Islander hoop squad is looking forward to his contributions on the hardwood for the next several months!

Joe returns for his third and final season with the MI varsity squad, coming off a season in which he led the Islanders in scoring and brought home first-team all-league honors. Joe had a productive off-season as well, capped by his recent commitment to play at Seattle Pacific University next season. With his college decision behind him, Joe is ready for his best season as an Islander. Joe is an absolute force inside, with opponents struggling to get around his broad, 6'8, 230 pound frame. Not only is Joe BIG, but he is significantly stronger than last season, which bodes well for his game and the Islanders. On the perimeter, Joe forces big men to chase him out to the three point line, as he proved to be a reliable threat from long distance last season. Look for Joe to be a candidate for Kingco player of the year.

Max steps on to the varsity stage as one of the biggest surprises of the preseason and a great example of perseverance. As a freshman, Max was cut from the Islander program. Never phased by this temporary setback, Max tried out again the following year and made the Sophomore team. Two years later, a long and rangy Max has now grown into his body and is ready to contribute for the varsity squad. No one has impressed the coaches more than Max with his coachability and workman-like approach. Max provides the Islanders with a second option behind Joe to patrol the middle of the paint on the defensive side of the floor. Offensively, Max has a developing post game along with a knack for finding teammates open for shots. Max will make an impact for the Islanders this season.

Daniel begins his varsity career having made the jump from the Sophomore team last season. Blessed with elite speed and a distributor's mentality, Daniel will share the ball handling duties in the backcourt this season. Daniel is a passer at heart, but as he progresses, the Islander staff feels that Daniel will begin to make teams pay from all over the floor. Defensively, Daniel is a pest for opposing ball handlers and will be counted on to come into games and wreak havoc on opponents. At only 5'7, Daniel definitely "packs a lot of punch" and is certain to be a crowd favorite.

Jake is another junior who has risen to the varsity level from the sophomore team last season. Jake might be the hardest working player in the MI program. His dedication in the weight room and on the court has allowed Jake to transform his body and skill level on par with a varsity athlete. Jake continues to impress the coaching staff every day with his feel for the game at the shooting guard position. While he will begin the season seeing court time with the JV, the staff knows that Jake has the ability to make an impact with the varsity when called upon.

Similar to his 2014 teammates, Peter makes the jump this year from the sophomore team to the varsity. Peter is a player that continually impresses coaches with his ability to understand the game. As one of the taller players in his class growing up in the program, Peter has been moved out to the perimeter during his high school years and has made the transition rather seamlessly. Peter can handle the ball as a point guard, make plays to the basket to set up teammates, or bang on the boards with the bigs. Peter's do-it-all game will be tested in competition at the JV level to start the season.

Kaleb enters his second varsity season as one of two returning starters from the 2012 season. Last season, Kaleb impressed Islander fans with exciting coast to coast finishes and reliable outside shooting. This season, Kaleb aims to take the next step in moving from a good player to a great one. Kaleb will be counted on to score and create offense for the Islanders in a variety of fashions: getting out in transition, offensive rebounding and attacking the basket, in addition to his role as a spot up shooter. Defensively, Kaleb will need to take the reins as the "stopper" for the Islanders, matching up with the opponent's best perimeter player. Look for Kaleb to compete for all-league honors as well. The sky is the limit for Kaleb this season!

Teddy is the fourth and final junior making the leap from the sophomore team to the varsity in one offseason. Teddy is yet another story of tremendous perseverance. A year or two ago, the coaching staff never would have predicted Teddy to be with the varsity as a junior. However, with a dedication to the weight room and a hard-hat approach on the floor, Teddy has given himself an opportunity to shine on the varsity stage this season. Teddy impresses coaches with his ability to rebound with two hands at the apex. Though slightly undersized as a power forward, Teddy willingly takes on his role and relishes the opportunity to battle bigger opponents inside. Teddy ready to make an impact for the maroon and white!

Jack begins the 2013 season a year after splitting time between the freshman and sophomore levels last season. Jack's toughness and athleticism are impressive to both his coaches and teammates. As a bigger wing player with great feet, Jack will carve out a niche as a defensive specialist this season. On the offensive side, Jack's game will develop with time, though his physical style of play, solid fundamentals and natural feel for the game have him ready to contribute soon at the varsity level. In the meantime, Jack will start the season honing his game at the JV level as he readies himself.

David is the third of four Emanuels brothers to enter the MI program. Built more like his oldest brother Ben than current teammate Alex, David brings vocal leadership and a hard working approach to the floor each day. Last season, David made significant contributions as a backup guard on the JV squad. This season, David is excited about the opportunity to compete at varsity practices and hopefully make an impact this season. In the mean time, David will continue to develop his game at the JV level as he prepares himself to eventually step into a role with the varsity squad.