Pallacanestro Varese got off to a strong start in the new season, defeating JuVi Cremona 92-72 in the red-and-white team’s first preseason scrimmage. This was a particularly useful test to help the team regain its game rhythm after the first few weeks of training and to continue working on building balance and chemistry within a significantly revamped squad. Beyond the final score, in fact, the game provided Coach Giannis Kastritis and his staff with their first opportunity to see the team in action in a real game situation, testing strategies, rotations, and plays that they will continue to refine in the coming weeks.
Varese played the scrimmage without Amedeo Della Valle, David Duke Jr., and Isaiah Roby, while the playing time of William McDowell-White and Ismaël Kamagate was managed and limited. This situation allowed the coaching staff to distribute responsibilities and playing time across the roster, gathering valuable insights during this early phase of training.
As the minutes went by, the Biancorossi gradually found their rhythm and consistency, showing promise on both ends of the field and managing to ramp up the intensity as the match progressed. This is a first step on what is still a long journey, in which daily work will be essential to solidify team chemistry, coordination, and identity ahead of the start of official competition.
In terms of scoring, the Red-and-Whites’ top scorer was Hunter Hale, who tallied 22 points. Also reaching double digits were captain Matteo Librizzi, who finished with 13 points, Davide Alviti with 12, and Nate Renfro (10).
The preseason has just begun, and the upcoming games will offer new opportunities to continue growing, getting to know one another, and translating the work done in the gym into ever-greater chemistry on the court.
PALLACANESTRO OPENJOBMETIS VARESE-JUVI CREMONA: 92-72 (25-14; 53-33; 69-57)
Pallacanestro Varese: Alviti 12, Villa 7, McDowell-White 2, Nikolic 6, Hale 22, Librizzi 13, Renfro 10, Kamagate 4, Ladurner 4, Ikangi 2, Prato 1, Celiz 2, Risi 3, Basualdo 4. Coach: Giannis Kastritis.