Boys
Coach: Zach Samaha
2021-22: 17-10
It’s not how you start but where you finish. And for the Byng Pirates, the ship is
sailing in the right direction on course to a strong finish just in time for the playoffs.
With three starters returning from last season, head coach Zack Samaha is pleased
with the progress of his squad.
“Going into the final half of the season, things are fitting into place,” said Samaha,
now in his third season at Byng. “We’re 11-4 and finally breaking into the Class 4A
rankings that is loaded with some really good teams. I’m confident that we can be
there at the end.”
Topping the list of playmakers is the Pirates leading scorer Malachi Schilreff (6-2, G,
Jr.) whose season high 43 points is just one example of why he’s averaging 27 points per game at the midway point of the season. “He chooses his spots and his
aggressiveness also helps Mal share the ball setting up teammates to score,” said
Samaha.
Defined as the stabilizer, Cooper McCage (6-2, G, Jr.) is a ball handler that can shoot
with consistency while the length and reach of Bo Boatwright (6-7, C, Jr.) provides a
rim defender as a strong rebounder who will block shots. Camby Poorbuffalo (5-9,
G, Jr.) adds to the Pirates a defensive intensity by doing what Samaha defines as “all
the little things right.” Adding to the mix of playmakers this year are Ryan Hamilton,
(6-0, G, Sr.), Gary Ramey (6-9, C, Jr.) along with Tyler Ramey (6-4, G So.), Nahum
Grant-Louie (6-2, G, Sr.), Baylor Ward (5-9 G, Sr.) and Spencer Gore (5-10, G, Jr.)
“This is a fun group to coach and watch play. Our togetherness, the connectivity on
and off the court creates a true team first environment that translates to success in
the heat of competition,” said Samaha. “Defense is a real strength for our team. Hard
work definitely gives us a chance to find a way to win.”