NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — On Dec. 15, Rivers found itself in a difficult, uneasy spot. The three-time reigning NEPSAC Class B champion was 0-6, and it was unclear whether injured star forward Andrew Alekseyenko would be back this winter.
But two months later, order has been restored. Not only have the Red Wings rebounded from their start, but now they suddenly have Alekseyenko back – just in time for their most important games of the season.
Alekseyenko returned on Saturday as Rivers blew out rival Brooks, 77-52, after the 6-foot-8 forward and Colgate commit missed 17 games from injuries he suffered in both of his wrists on Dec. 8. His return is massive news for the Red Wings (13-8, 7-4 Class B) in their quest for a NEPSAC four-peat, as they bring back one of the best players in the region and a key piece of the last two championships.
“He’s got a real edge to him,” Rivers head coach Keith Zalaski said. “This time of year, I’m excited about him being on the court but I’m almost more excited that he’s got that streak to him where this time of year, all the games are that much more important (and) you want guys who are hyper-competitive. It’s just adding another guy into that.”
