Salem Academy Enjoys Turnaround Season Under New Coach

Article Courtesy of SalemNews.com
Posted: Wednesday, March 25, 2015 12:00 am
By Jean DePlacido Correspondent

Until this season the Salem Academy boys basketball team had won a grand total of three games in six seasons. They turned things around this season, finishing with a 7-11 record in the MCSAO (Mass Charter School Athletic Organization).
First year coach Ben Petrides brought energy and enthusiasm to the program, and athletic director Drew Betts arranged more practice time.
That was the formula for success. A year ago SA won only two games, and the previous two seasons went 0-14.
“There was a drastic change this season that was a combination of the kids working incredibly hard, more gym time, and a new coach who did a great job,” said Betts. “Even when they weren’t winning they kept their spirits up and put in an incredible amount of work.”
The charter school, which is located on Congress Street in Salem, has been in existence for 11 years. The basketball program started out with just freshmen and has grown steadily. In the past, practices were held at the Salem YMCA at 6 a.m. but Betts arranged for the team to use the Bentley Elementary School gym in the afternoon. SA has a longer day that doesn’t end until 4 o’clock, and the boys headed for practices that often lasted until 7 p.m.
Students at Salem Academy are predominately from Salem, but there are boys from Peabody and Lynn on the basketball roster. Because there is a long waiting list for the school, a lottery system gives Salem residents priority.
“Mr. Betts has done a great job offering more sports for both boys and girls,” said Petrides, who is an Endicott College graduate (as is Betts). “Our student-athletes work hard. I tell my guys practice is my time, and the games are their time to execute and shine. The biggest reason for our turn around is getting more gym time. (Betts) set it up so we were in the gym almost every day; what a difference that made.
“We started off with bigger numbers, but a couple dropped out. There were 13 guys, who stuck with the academic policies of the school. They were all very supportive of each other, and staying positive was a big factor. They stayed eligible and had to make a commitment to the school and team. It’s a great academic school with high standards.”
Petrides had mandatory Saturday study halls for his team with an hour hitting the books followed by an hour of team building. They watched inspirational videos, did fun activities, and bonded.
“You have to trust your teammates on and off the court,” said Petrides. “Supporting each other was a big part of the turn around. We had two players, who were ineligible for two weeks, but came to every practice and game during that time to support their teammates.
“Brian Millea and Jack Jimenez are my assistant coaches, and they displayed incredible dedication and commitment to the team. They helped contribute in a major way to the team’s success.”
Captains were senior shooting guard Itua Eghe from Salem, senior power forward Ben Craven from Lynn, and sophomore point guard David Daoud from Salem.
“I played on the varsity last year, and the biggest difference this season was our chemistry,” said Daoud. “We really clicked and worked together as a team both in games and practices. Last year we barely had any practices; it’s a lot more fun when you’re winning. I ran cross country in the fall to get in shape for basketball because you get tired during games. That really helped build up my stamina.”