Youth movement propels CFCA hoops

OCOEE — As though the CFCA Eagles’ 18-4 record isn’t impressive enough, after winning a combined three games in the previous two seasons, how coach Jonathan McClintock and his players are making the decided turnaround happen adds another dimension — two freshmen are leading the way.

Dante Treacy and Ajay Green, a freshman guard and forward, respectively, have been two of the big catalysts behind the breakout season for the Eagles. Green leads the team in scoring at 17.1 points per contest, but Treacy isn’t far behind at 16.5 per game and also is charged with facilitating CFCA’s offense as the point guard — an impressive feat for someone who isn’t yet old enough to drive.

“Dante carries a really big load for us,” McClintock said. “He handles the ball for us; he makes great decisions with the ball. He’s got a knack for getting to the rim and finishing. He plays with such poise for a freshman; it’s just remarkable. I’m very blessed to have him.”

Treacy, who would have been zoned for Cypress Creek if he had attended a public school, said he enjoys having the responsibilities McClintock has bestowed upon him.

“I love executing and running plays; I love being in charge,” Treacy said. “My team, I love them to death and they help me out so much.”

If Treacy is holding it down for the Eagles in the backcourt, then it is Green, who also is a force for CFCA on the boards, holding it down up front in the paint.

“(Green) came in with strength and touch,” McClintock said of his freshman forward. “We’ve been working a lot with his footwork defensively, and he’s growing in that area. We just need to really get him the ball when he’s open.”

Both players, along with CFCA’s other starters, also anchor a stout defensive attack. The Eagles thrive in the man-to-man defense and, although matchups sometimes will force McClintock to utilize a zone defense, he said playing good man-to-man defense was in his DNA — and it’s rubbing off on his players.

“It’s everything — defense is everything,” Treacy said. “(McClintock) is always talking about how we’re going to score points and offense isn’t a big factor. Defense is the key to the game. Defense wins games, championships.”

Beyond the Eagles’ two standout freshmen, they have received solid play from a number of role players, including Dante’s older brother, Jared Treacy, a junior. Visual Russell, a seventh-grader, and John DaQuila, a senior, also receive many of the team’s minutes.

CFCA will play in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s tournament this weekend before competing in the Class 2A District 4 tournament the next week. With an influx of tournament games ahead, it will be important for the Eagles to maintain their momentum to continue this impressive season.

“We just need to keep executing,” McClintock said. “We’re not going to get to practice a lot between now and the district tournament, so we’re going to have to execute during game time and keep sharp.”

One thing is for sure, though: This team is led by young players who think big. Treacy made his hopes for this season clear.

“I want to make it to Lakeland,” he said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].