Athlete Of The Week: Jackson Rocco

HARWICH – If the Monomoy boys basketball team is going to have success during the Division 4 state tournament, the Sharks talented group of juniors will likely be a big reason why.

All season long, the team has relied on its group of eight juniors to help lead the way. Among the team’s catalysts is junior guard Jackson Rocco, a Dennis resident who has helped set the tone at both ends of the floor and on the glass.

“Jackson is our best rebounder,” Monomoy coach John McCarthy said. “Offensively and defensively, he helps control the boards. It’s not typical for a guard to do that, so I think he catches a lot of teams off-guard because he can control the boards so much on both ends.”

Rocco’s impact hasn’t only been felt on the glass, however. Defensively, he has the length to give opposing players trouble and the athletic ability to be a shot blocker at the rim. Offensively, he can get to the basket and make 3-pointers.

“When he’s on, there’s no one better on Cape Cod in terms of his ability to slash and hit a 3,” McCarthy said.

Rocco and the 15th-seeded Sharks (14-6) will open their postseason against the No. 18 Cathedral-No. 47 Mystic Valley winner at 6 p.m. Friday at Monomoy.