Severn School JV Boys Making An Impression On Foes

By John Singleton
They sit atop the MIAA B Conference with a record of 7-1. They’ve startled opponents with their basketball savvy and single-minded determination. What’s more, they may be one of the most talented junior varsity basketball team in the history of Severn School.
On Monday, January 3, the young Admirals shook off the rust from Christmas break to defeat Pallotti 52-48. It was a decisive victory away from home over a capable opponent. It also happened to be the venue where guard Jared Ryan recorded his first dunk of the season. Ryan led the team with 19 points against Pallotti along with fellow freshman Ryland Collier who scored 12 points.

“We have great sophomore leadership and a very talented freshman class,” said Head Coach Dave Thurston after the game.
Sophomores Connor Sheehan, Jake Traenor and Travis Cherry come together to provide leadership for the young Admirals. Cole Smith, Jared Ryan, and Ryland Collier have made an impact as freshmen. Severna Park’s Brian Dennin, Rohan Vain-Callahan, Jack Munroe and Jamie Soderlund, round out the roster. Freshman Zac Davliakos provides depth and Nick Diamondides and Kevin O’Malley have recently returned from injuries to make contributions to the team.
“Our starting five is very talented. They get us off to a good start every game,” stated freshman Rohan-Vain Callahan. “I’m very fortunate to be on a team with such strong players.”
On December 17, the Admirals suffered their only conference defeat of the season, falling to Archbishop Curley, 50-47, at the Edward St. John Gym. After leading most of the game, Severn slipped behind with about four minutes left and never regained their footing. The rematch with Curley on January 28 will most likely determine the division champion.
“We’ve got to work together as a team to finish the season strong,” added freshman Cole Smith. “We need to keep finding the man with the open shot.”
There is reason for optimism on this most unselfish of teams. Every game a different member of the roster seems to find a way to make a contribution. That’s a sign of a highly motivated and improving team. A little research shows that no Severn JV team has gotten off to a start this good in the last nine years. Having already beaten St. Mary’s and Annapolis Area Christian School, two powerful rivals, this team has shown its toughness and a propensity to get better as the season wears on.
“I am very proud of their work ethic and how they play together as a team,” concluded Coach Thurston. “Each player is unselfish, puts the team first, and is very coach-able.”