Festival Preview: With Foundation in Place, Paul VI is Ready to Roll

Ron Bailey, Publisher

November 29, 2008 – Last season’s 14-18 record did not sit well with Paul VI (VA) head coach Glenn Farello, though it was understandable; his first year at the school, Farello was tasked with not only winning games, but establishing his imprint, as the long time and hyper-successful high school coach desires to start a program, not just lead a team.

“We’ve come together” said Farello regarding Paul VI and transitioning to his developmental plan for the organization. “We haven’t been together that long…but the foundation has been laid”. In his estimation, that includes understanding “how to play” as he expects. Consequently, Farello noted “Now, we are ready to take the next steps”.

Of course that includes winning games, with the DTLR National High School Hoops Festival Presented by Nike event standing as both an opportunity and challenge in that regard. Paul VI’s opponent is Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic.

Raven Barber is a senior big man with great upside.

“The kids are excited” shared Farello of his team competing in the Festival. “When you are in an event like this, you are in front of people who haven’t seen you play…We’re proud to be a part of it”.

Companion to becoming an eventual Washington Catholic Athletic Conference power is attracting players suitable for his demands and expectations; Farello and the Paul VI staff (including Kenny Johnson) are well on their way in this regard.

Leading the Panthers this season will be 6’3” senior point guard Erik Green, a transfer capable of setting up teammates and scoring who will play at Virginia Tech next year. Mount St Mary’s-bound forward Raven Barber, who stands 6’7”, can be physical and owns a budding back to the basket game, and is another fourth year player who Farello expects much from.

Junior’s Blake Bozeman and Darren Warren, a 6’2” combo guard and 6’3” swingman respectively, provide both shooting and play making ability, while sophomores Dion Jones, a 6’4” wing man and 6’7” left handed rebounder Eugene McCory both have improved greatly, forging themselves into future standouts.

“It’s great to be a part of it” said Farello of the Festival. With the direction Paul VI is headed, many will likely laud the Panthers in short order.