Jesuit hoops coach says this could be his strongest team, ever

Posted Nov 8, 2011 by Nick Williams

Updated Nov 8, 2011 at 10:36 AM

Since 1989, Jesuit head boys basketball coach Neal Goldman has led the Tigers to nine state region playoffs and two region championships. In 24 years as a head coach, he’s won 412 games.

This year’s squad at Jesuit, however, could be the team that delivers the program’s first state title since 1984.

“Collectively, and will all of the pieces in place, this could be the strongest team I’ve ever had,” Goldman said.

The Tigers, who went 24-5 last season and lost to eventual state semifinalist Blake, 55-32, in the region semis, return the bulk of its talent in juniors Devin Harris (6-3, PG) Jack Fleming (6-5, SG), Joey Galvis (6-1, G) and Travis Johnson (6-4, F), and senior Nick Medich (6-5 F/C). Johnson averaged 11.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while Fleming, one of the best shooters in the area, added 10.2 points per game. Galvis, who could be the team’s X-factor, averaged 7.2 points per game.

“They’re hungry to have a great season,” Goldman said.

Jesuit won the SEBA summer league and should be the favorite to win the Class 5A District 11 title over Blake and Robinson. This season, the Tigers will travel to Maryland to play in the Father George National Jesuit Classic.