“The four-man is our glue, and the intensity we run it at makes our physical game that much better.’’
During their 15-0 start, the Raiders shut down defending state champion St. John’s Prep, 80-56, on Jan. 22, and the Prep’s star guard Steve Haladyna was held to 10 points.
“We lost three big guys,’’ said Puello, referring to graduates Jimmy Zenevitch (playing at Assumption), Jaycob Morales (Wheaton), and Evan Sheehan. “But what we got in return was a ton of guys who can be more athletes than position players.’’
As a youngster in Lawrence, Puello focused on baseball before discovering the hard court in seventh grade.
“My cousin showed me basketball,’’ he said. “Ever since then I gave up baseball and was at the Boys & Girls Club [of Lawrence] every day working on my game.’’
Nault said Puello’s work ethic sets him apart.
“When we got him he was just an athlete,’’ said the coach. “Now he’s at the point where he’s a basketball player. He’s a two-year captain for us and his actions are contagious. He makes things easier for our guys.’’
Though his playing time has been limited recently because of an Achilles strain (suffered against Pinkerton Academy in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney), the 6-foot Puello is averaging 11 points and eight rebounds per game.
“I don’t get intimidated,’’ said Puello, who wants to play Division 1 college basketball. “I keep my composure and try to lead by example rather than talk.’’
Nault said that when Puello is healthy, “we add the best player in the state to our defensive team.’’
Puello said he is just trying to keep his teammates focused.
“We can’t relax now that we have started 15-0,’’ said Puello, who was an integral part of Central’s state championship team in 2010. “The more you win, the more people are going to come at you and coach knows this too. That’s why practices have gotten more intense every game we win.’’
Sophomore guard Tyler Nelson (15.5 points per game) certainly hasn’t taken any game for granted, leading the Raiders in scoring with Puello’s minutes limited.
