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Hornets' freshman Mussachia contributing right away

Friday, December, 21 By Matt Langone
Sports editor

As an eighth-grader last winter, Manchester Essex freshman Joe Mussachia had one thing in mind for the next step in his basketball career.

"He (Mussachia) approached me last year and said 'coach what do I have to do to make varsity next year,'" recalled Manchester Essex head basketball coach Bill Cahill. "Not many eighth-graders approach me and ask that question." Of course there is a simple explanation as to why most eighth-graders don't pose that question to high school varsity coaches. That reason would be most players aren't close to being ready for varsity in their first year of high school.

"Joe was the best player on the junior high team last year, but I didn't think he'd be ready for varsity," said Cahill. "Very rarely does a freshman play varsity. You have to be exceptional to do it."

Fast forward to the here and now and Mussachia is indeed one of the exceptions. In fact, he isn't just dressing for varsity games, he is also contributing in a big way.

Through the first three games of the season, Mussachia is the Hornets' third-leading scorer at 10.3 points per game. The 6-foot-2 forward is also tacking on an additional five rebounds per game and has helped Manchester Essex to a 1-2 record thus far.

The quick production has been no surprise to Mussachia. "I just felt like I was ready for varsity," said Mussachia, a Manchester resident, who had a 17-point coming-out party in a 69-67 loss to Georgetown last Friday night. "I felt like I could contribute right away."

Although Mussachia is tall for a freshman, he lacks bulk with only a 150-pound body frame. Thus, it took some time for him to get accustomed to the physical play at the varsity level.

He took his lumps while playing for Manchester Essex over the summer and fall, and also at practices during the preseason.

"It was tough at the beginning," said Mussachia. "I had to get used to the system and the demanding practices. During the summer and fall leagues I felt like I didn't contribute like I could have. The players were bigger and more aggressive."

The summer was treated as a learning period for Mussachia, but Cahill liked what he saw from the left-hander. "Joe is a quick learner and he doesn't get intimidated," said Cahill.

After scoring just four points in his Manchester Essex debut, Mussachia has displayed maturity in the Hornets' last two games. There was his brilliant individual effort against Georgetown, but perhaps more impressive than that was his 10-point, five-rebound outing in Tuesday night's 72-60 win over rival Rockport.

The rookie scored arguably the game's most important basket against the Vikings.

With 1:55 to play and the Hornets leading by eight points, the shot clock had winded down to six seconds. Mussachia got the ball and noticed that time was running out on his team's possession. He then drove into the lane, pulled up and drilled an eight-foot jumper to ice the game.

"That was a big-time move," said Cahill of Mussachia's basket. "Court-awareness is probably Joe's best asset. He is very knowledgeable. He is also a good jumper and can shoot inside and outside."

It's been a huge benefit for Mussachia to play with a very experienced team, that includes a senior backcourt in Marty Nally and James Settipane.

"Marty and James are both great leaders," said Mussachia. "They keep everyone positive."

Cahill also believes having experience around Mussachia eliminates the burden of pressure.

"Joe can be our third or fourth option offensively, which keeps pressure off him," said Cahill. "Whatever we get out of him is a plus."

However, if Mussachia keeps progressing, it won't be long until he is the first option.