J&C Hoops Classic (Boys)

Sunday, November 29, 2009

5 nights 8 teams 12 games 1 champion

J&C Hoops

Classic

Journal & Courier â&#x20AC;˘ jconline.com

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Boys J&C Hoops Classic

Tournament schedule

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Team previews

At Lafayette Jeff Monday West Lafayette vs. Benton Central, 6 p.m. Central Catholic vs. Harrison, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday Lafayette Jeff vs. Frankfort, 6 p.m. McCutcheon vs. Twin Lakes, 7:30 p.m. Thursday Monday’s losers, 6 p.m. Tuesday’s losers, 7:30 p.m. Friday Monday’s winners, 6 p.m. Tuesday’s winners, 7:30 p.m. Saturday Seventh-place game, 4 p.m. Fifth-place game, 4 p.m. Third-place game, 6 p.m. Championship, 8 p.m. Note: The seventh-place game will be played in the auxiliary gym.

Benton Central ...........................3 Central Catholic........................ 4 Frankfort ..................................... 5 Harrison ..................................... 6 Lafayette Jeff ............................. 7 McCutcheon.............................. 8 Twin Lakes ................................. 9 West Lafayette ....................... 10

On the cover Front row: West Lafayette’s Zach Waters, Twin Lakes’ Tyler McAchren and McCutcheon’s Alantae Crawford. Second row: Lafayette Jeff’s Roddy Richardson, Central Catholic’s Elliot Zak and Frankfort’s Troy Porter. Back row: Benton Central’s Aaron Kult and Harrison’s Jacob VanArsdel. Special thanks to Chris and Dawn Schakel of Millennium Farms near Oxford. — Photo by Michael Heinz/ mheinz@jconline.com

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BENTON CENTRAL BISON Quick shots Coach: Eric Wiley (ﬁrst season at Benton Central, 31-96 in seventh season overall) 2008-09 results: 12-10, lost to Northwestern 53-52 in sectional opener Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Frankfort (host), Northwestern, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette and Western

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Aaron Kult (6.5) Rebounding: Kult (1.9) Assists: Zac Geswein (2.0) Steals: Geswein (1.3)

Roster No. 10 12 14 20 22 24 30 32 34 40 44

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Zac Geswein G 5-10 Sr. Ty Fischbach F 6-0 So. Kyle Bird G 6-0 Jr. Benny Myers G 5-10 Sr. Michael Strasburger G/F 5-11 Sr. Aaron Kult G 6-1 Sr. Tyler Featherston F/C 6-2 Sr. Jordan Johnson G 5-11 So. Eddie Hall F 6-1 So. Jeremy Ohanis F 6-1 Jr. Kameron Fischbach F/C 6-1 Sr.

Last season Offensive average: 54.3 Defensive average: 51.8 It was a heartbreaking end for the Bison’s six seniors a year ago, losing to Northwestern on a lastsecond shot in the Frankfort Sectional. Senior Taylor Schoen became the school’s sixth 1,000-point career scorer. He earned All-Hoosier Conference honors after averaging 15.5 points and 6.3 rebounds. Coach Kyle Spray departed after ﬁve seasons to take over at Western Boone.

Wiley

Geswein

ON GUARD The backcourt has all of the Bison’s varsity experience with returning starter Aaron Kult and part-time starting point guard Zac Geswein. “Zac will be our floor leader,” said first-year coach Eric Wiley, a longtime BC assistant and former head coach at North White. “He probably is not going to be asked to score a whole lot, but he will be one of our best defenders.” Kult shot nearly 37 percent from 3-point range last season, and Wiley expects a significant boost from last season’s 6.5 scoring average. “He’s going to be asked to carry a lot of the scoring load, and I think he understands that,” Wiley said. “We’ll do some things to try to get him some shots.”

FRONT LINE Tyler Featherston and Kameron Fischbach lack size and varsity experience, but that duo — along with fellow seniors Kult, Geswein, Michael Strasburger and Benny Myers — are a reason why Wiley accepted the job in the offseason. “That senior class is a very hard-working class, good students,” Wiley said. “I’ve been around them the last four years. These kids when they were eighth-graders won 13, 14 games. They’ve been split up ever since then but now they’re back together.”

KEY NEWCOMERS Plenty, starting with Strasburger, who will be a 3-point threat. Myers, Featherston and Fischbach also played junior varsity out of necessity last season. “We had no choice,” Wiley said. “We had to do that because they needed to play. We

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Aaron Kult is Benton Central’s top returning scorer.

Featherston

Fischbach

needed to have them play this year.” Kyle Bird will be the backup to Geswein at point guard, and Wiley says there may be times he plays both point guards at the same time. Jordan Johnson will also see playing time on the perimeter. Jeremy Ohanis is a transfer from Scottsburg who may see playing time as he grows accustomed to the Bison’s style of play.

OUTLOOK Don’t be surprised if at times

Strasburger

Myers

the Bison use a four-guard lineup. With their tallest player standing 6-foot-2, the Bison will have to play solid defense and exploit mismatches on offense. “I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Wiley said. “They’ve responded well. I know they’ll play hard and do the things I ask them to do. As a coach that’s all I can ask for. The wins and losses will take care of themselves.” — Ken Thompson/ kthompson@jconline.com

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC KNIGHTS Quick shots Coach: David Barrett (7827 in ﬁfth season) 2008-09 results: 20-7, lost to Triton 50-47 in semistate Conference: Hoosier Heartland Sectional: Class A, Sectional 53 Sectional opponents: Clinton Prairie, Frontier, Rossville and Tri-Central (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Chris Mills (9.7) Rebounding: Connor Mackey (4.9) Assists: Elliot Zak (6.2) Steals: Mills (1.8)

Roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. 10 Elliot Zak G 5-11 Sr. 12 Chris Mills F 6-4 Sr. *12 Cowan Olinger G 5-10 Fr. 14 Danny Anthrop G 6-0 So. 20 Niall Noonan F 6-4 Jr. *20 Matt Bouggy G 5-8 Fr. 22 Adam Zimmerman G 5-10 Sr. *22 Drew Dienhart G 510 So. 24 Cody Christopher G 5-11 Jr. *24 Chase Thieme F 5-10 So. 30 Brett Haan G/F 6-4 Jr. 32 Jason Aldridge F 6-2 Sr. *32 Joe Tharp G/F 5-11 So. 34 Jake Talley C 6-1 Sr. *34 Nick Zak F 6-1 So. 40 Cole Smith G 5-10 Sr. 42 Connor Mackey F/C 6-3 Sr. *42 Ian Winningham F 5-11 Jr. 44 Hayden Gloyeske C 6-3 Jr. 50 Nick Hilligoss C 6-5 Jr. * Due to the football team’s success, CC will begin the season with a separate roster until football players are eligible to compete in basketball.

Last season Offensive average: 66.6 Defensive average: 54.0 The Knights advanced to semistate for the third year in a row, but failed to reach the state ﬁnals yet again. After losing consecutive games to Frankfort and Lafayette Jeff in late January, the Knights strung together 12 wins in a row before losing to Triton 50-47 in the semistate. It was the 12th straight season CC won at least 18 games.

ON GUARD Elliot Zak returns for his second season running the point. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Brett Haan and Cole Smith at the wings. When football players become eligible, Danny Anthrop, Adam Zimmerman and Cody Christopher also will rotate in. “This is good for Elliot because now he has to step up and be a leader and look to score, which he hasn’t in the past,” coach Dave Barrett said. Six-foot-4 Chris Mills is also a capable guard if need be. “Chris Mills can play just about any position on the ﬂoor,” Barrett said.

FRONT LINE Jake Talley and Connor Mackey return from last year’s team that advanced to semistate. Early on, juniors Nick Hilligoss and Hayden Gloyeske will ﬁll the slots. “They’ve played pretty well in practice so far,” Barrett said. Mackey is the leading returning rebounder and second-leading returning scorer. Talley averaged three points and two rebounds last season.

KEY NEWCOMERS When the football players become eligible, which could be Friday if the Knights defeat Harrison in the opening round, the lineup completely changes. With most of last year’s team returning, there will be very little room for newcomers. Gloyeske may stick with the varsity, however. “Hayden Gloyeske has gotten bigger and stronger this summer,” Barrett said. “He has some talent and can run.”

OUTLOOK Despite losing four seniors, including freshman Purdue guard Dru Anthrop’s 23 points and seven rebounds a night, the Knights keep the same goal as every other season — play for the Class A state championship.

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Elliot Zak drives around Brett Haan during a recent practice. Last season, the Knights lost in the semistate for the third straight year. “It’s like a bad taste left in your mouth,” Zak said. “Our goal has always been to make it to state and we haven’t been

able to do that yet. “I am conﬁdent with the guys we have that we will be able to do that.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

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FRANKFORT HOT DOGS Quick shots Coach: Jason Good (37-32 in fourth season) 2008-09 results: 16-7, lost to West Lafayette 43-40 in sectional championship Conference: Sagamore Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 (host Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Northwestern, Twin Lakes and Western

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Troy Porter (12.6) Rebounding: Porter (5.4) Assists: Korben Shirar (2.9) Steals: Justin Spears (1.1)

Roster No. 4 5 12 20 21 22 23 32 33 34 40 42

Name Troy Porter Roger Acevedo Stanley Moore Alex Isgrigg Tanner Svoboda Tim Eason Justin Spears Evan Hall Grayden Gilmore Alex Stuard Dakota Isgrigg Chad Strong

Pos. Ht. Yr. F 6-3 Sr. F 5-10 Jr. G 5-8 Jr. G 5-10 So. G/F 6-1 Jr. F 6-0 Sr. G 6-0 Sr. F/C 6-3 Sr. F 6-3 Jr. G/F 6-0 Jr. F/C 6-5 Fr. C 6-8 Jr.

Last season Offensive average: 59.3 Defensive average: 52.8 The Hot Dogs claimed a share of the Sagamore Conference title and appeared to have their ﬁrst sectional championship since 1997 in their grasp before a fourthquarter comeback by West Lafayette. Frankfort’s ﬁrst four losses last season came to Class 4A teams, including Lafayette Jeff in the J&C Hoops Classic championship. Gone from that team was top scorer and rebounder Stevie Loveless, who now plays for Purdue.

Shirar

Spears

ON GUARD Junior point guard Korben “Snoop” Shirar returns for his third season as the Hot Dog ﬂoor general. “That’s one of the reasons we started trying to play Snoop there as a freshman,” coach Jason Good said. “If you can have a solid kid at that position and you know you can count on him, it takes away a lot of other worries.” Ballhandling should be a strong point as Shirar and Justin Spears provide a potential dual threat. “Snoop is really good because he creates so much, he gets in the lane,” senior Troy Porter said. “With Justin behind him, it is a 1-2 punch.” Tanner Svoboda will be a wing player for the Hot Dogs, while junior Stan Moore adds depth to the backcourt.

FRONT LINE Porter is a fourth-year varsity player, who is starting for the third full year. He also had starts sprinkled in as a freshman. “Troy is a leader,” Good said. “He has been our best team defender since his sophomore year. He is not necessarily our best one-on-one defender, but as far as being in the right place, he is No. 1.” Six-foot-3 Evan Hall also will start in the post after returning last season following a one-year hiatus from the sport. “I am hoping Evan is going to be our surprise guy,” Good said.

KEY NEWCOMERS Six-foot-5 freshman center Dakota Isgrigg can score, run the ﬂoor and has length. Moore and senior Tim Eason will have increased roles after playing varsity sparingly last

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Troy Porter.

Hall

Good

year. “Tim Eason is a hard-nosed kid and plays harder probably than any kid we have,” Good said.

OUTLOOK The Hot Dogs will have to ﬁnd rebounding after losing a player who averaged 12 a night last year to graduation. If Frankfort ﬁnds a way to rebound, it could again contend for the Sagamore Conference title and be a contender for a sectional crown. The Hot Dogs have outrebounded 80 percent of their opponents during Good’s three seasons at the helm, but now will have to do so without Stevie Loveless. — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

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HARRISON RAIDERS Quick shots Coach: Jeff VanArsdel (229-150 in 18th season) 2008-09 results: 9-13, lost to McCutcheon 66-41 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Kokomo (host), Lafayette Jeff, Logansport and McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Jacob VanArsdel (10.8) Rebounding: Blair Banker (4.2) Assists: BJ Bennett (1.6) Steals: Bennett (0.7)

Roster No. 10 11 12 15 21 22 23 25 30 31 33 35 41 42 43 45

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Brock Burkhalter G 5-7 Jr. Jonathan Wolfschlag G 5-9 Sr. Jacob VanArsdel G 6-5 Sr. BJ Bennett G 5-8 Sr. Ben Trapp G 5-10 Jr. Ryan Mundy F 6-0 Jr. Corbin Richter G 5-9 Jr. Josh Withers F 6-1 Jr. Brian Holden F 6-2 Sr. Will Barr F 5-11 Jr. Blair Banker C 6-7 Sr. Desmond Rias F 5-11 Jr. Patrick Cutter F 6-5 Sr. Zach Williams C 6-4 Jr. Kevin Holden C 6-4 Jr. Cameron Brown F 6-0 Jr.

Last season Offensive average: 49.3 Defensive average: 56.5 The Raiders’ lack of offense caught up with them at the end of last season, when they lost four of their ﬁnal ﬁve games. Harrison did not surpass 60 points in a game after a 71-67 overtime loss against Logansport on Jan. 10. Jacob VanArsdel earned second-team Journal & Courier Big School All-Area honors, and Blair Banker was an honorable mention selection.

Bennett

Banker

ON GUARD BJ Bennett returns for his third varsity season. Although he averaged 3.7 points a year ago, Bennett is one of the Raiders’ top 3-point shooters at 35 percent. Jacob VanArsdel presents matchup problems for most teams at 6-foot-5. VanArsdel is a good 3-point shooter (35 percent), but he also is a high percentage shooter overall (49 percent) and at the free throw line (73 percent).

FRONT LINE Seniors Blair Banker and Patrick Cutter should give the Raiders an offensive and defensive presence inside. Banker averaged 10 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Cutter contributed 5.6 and 4.0. Zach Williams gives coach Jeff VanArsdel another big body inside at 6-4. “They worked really hard this spring in the weight room,” said VanArsdel of the Raiders’ big men, including his son. “Once we got to the summer where we could work with them, the kids put in a lot of hours.”

By Jamie Lynn Chevillet/Journal & Courier

Jacob VanArsdel is a big presence on the perimeter.

KEY NEWCOMERS Williams is the “one who may have the most impact,” VanArsdel said. Williams averaged 2.4 points in varsity action as a sophomore. “Zach is very athletic, runs well, strong. We think we could have some good things happen with Zach.” Junior forward Josh Withers will get signiﬁcant minutes after averaging 2.6 points as a sophomore. Junior Brock Burkhalter returns to the program after sitting out last season. Burkhalter saw time on the junior varsity and varsity as a freshman. VanArsdel also sees poten-

Cutter

Williams

tial for perimeter players Ryan Mundy, Ben Trapp and Corbin Richter.

OUTLOOK VanArsdel was blunt in assessing the Raiders’ offensive performance the past few seasons. “We haven’t scored enough points,” he said. “That puts way too much pressure on your defense. You’re not allowed to ever make a mistake. We’ve put a lot emphasis on our ability to score. Hopefully that’s a strength of ours this

year.” The coach is hoping that the J&C Hoops Classic prepares the Raiders for a brutal Hoosier Crossroads Conference schedule that includes last season’s sectional ﬁnalists Lafayette Jeff and McCutcheon. Zionsville (No. 4), Noblesville (No. 7), Hamilton Southeastern (No. 8) and Avon (No. 11) are in the Indianapolis Star’s preseason Top 15. VanArsdel notes that Avon has three players with Division I offers, and the Orioles are Harrison’s ﬁrst opponent after the Classic. “Just because we have some experience and size, we don’t take that for granted,” VanArsdel said. “We know the schedule is loaded, and we have to be ready to play.” — Ken Thompson/ kthompson@jconline.com

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LAFAYETTE JEFF BRONCHOS got the toughness to do it; he’s smart enough to do it. He plays hard enough, he’s aggressive enough.”

Quick shots Coach: Scot Bunnell (6728 in ﬁfth season) 2008-09 results: 17-8, lost to Kokomo 63-59 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison, Kokomo (host), Logansport and McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Jesse Berry (27.3) Rebounding: Roddy Richardson (7.3) Assists: Richardson (3.3) (2.8) Steals: Richardson (2.3)

Roster No. 10 11 12 22 24 30 32 34 40 44 50

Name RJ Layton Rashad Richardson Courtney Waldon Nick Stacy Roddy Richardson Colin Bultinck Jesse Berry Justin Ulmer Akayla McClatchey Chris Nestleroad Jason Washington

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 5-7 Jr. F 6-4 So. G 6-0 Jr. G 5-11 Jr. G 6-1 Sr. F 6-0 Jr. G 6-1 Sr. G 5-10 So. G 6-0 Jr. F 6-0 Jr. C 6-4 Jr.

Last season Offensive average: 70.0 Defensive average: 66.5 Jeff opened last season by winning its third straight J&C Hoops Classic championship. But soon after the Bronchos lost seven of their next 10 against a tough nonconference schedule. During that span, point guard Brandon Williams was dismissed from the team and leading scorer Jesse Berry was briefly benched. Berry returned to complete the most prolific scoring season in Broncho history, and the team won nine straight through the opening round of the sectional. But Roddy Richardson broke his foot in practice on the eve of the sectional semifinals, and without him Jeff lost to eventual champion Kokomo.

KEY NEWCOMERS Ro. Richardson

Bultinck

ON GUARD Jesse Berry emerged as the area’s scoring champion, topping 40 points on six occasions and breaking his own school record with 55 against Fishers on Jan. 16. The Dayton signee is prolific while pulling up from the perimeter or slashing to the basket. For the second half of the season, Berry helped with point guard duties, and the attention he draws can open up scoring opportunities for the rest of Jeff’s shooters. Roddy Richardson’s hustle and defensive pressure often set the tone at both ends of the floor. He and Berry will both stretch defenses with their long-range shooting ability. Due to a lack of team size, Richardson will need to be a significant rebounding force. “I’ve always thought Roddy was a good defensive player, but I think he’s even gotten better this year,” Jeff coach Scot Bunnell said. “He’s become an even better team defender. Jesse I think has got really good focus right now and concentration on the defensive end. “Even thought they’re our two guards, the thing that they’re going have to do is rebound the ball for us.” Nick Stacy worked his way into the starting lineup last season as a sophomore thanks to his shooting touch and solid fundamentals. “We need Nick Stacy to be a playmaker and be aggressive with the ball and make good decisions on the court,” Berry said.

FRONT LINE Shane Wyant’s graduation deprives the Bronchos of 15.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. Though Jeff will remain a perimeter-oriented team,

By Jamie Lynn Chevillet/Journal & Courier

Jeff’s Jesse Berry is the area’s top returning scorer.

someone will need to step up and assist with defense and rebounding under the basket. Jason Washington is expected to help ﬁll the big man void. But the junior center recently underwent surgery for a left (non-shooting) wrist fracture and is not expected back until Christmas. Junior forward Colin Bultinck, more naturally a small forward, will be asked to provide help in the post until Washington returns. The Bronchos’ football quarterback during the fall, the lefthanded Bultinck steps up from his role as a part-time starter last season. “Obviously we wish he was bigger,” Bunnell said. “He’s

Rashad Richardson could be a difference-maker. While the sophomore is more suited for the perimeter, he could help a Bronchos team in need of rebounding help and frontcourt defense. “He can get to the basket and ﬁnish,” Bunnell said. “He’s 1 6-3 ⁄2 but he plays bigger than that because he’s got really good length.” Courtney Waldon, RJ Layton and Akayla McClatchey, a Kokomo transfer, will come off the bench to add depth to the guard rotation. Chris Nestleroad, a bigger guard, might be asked to help up front.

OUTLOOK With four starters back, the Bronchos are optimistic about making another run at a sectional championship. While the non-conference schedule is not as demanding as last season, the Hoosier Crossroads Conference is expected to be among the state’s premier leagues. The lack of size is a concern, and it will be up to the experienced guards to keep the pressure on and prevent teams from attacking the basket. “We’re pretty small, but we can get through it,” Berry said. “We’re tough. Everybody on our team has heart.” — Nathan Baird/ nbaird@jconline.com

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McCUTCHEON MAVERICKS Quick shots Coach: Rick Peckinpaugh (353-197 in 25th season at McCutcheon and 405-247 in 31st season overall) 2008-09 results: 10-13, lost to Kokomo 63-60 (OT) in sectional championship Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison, Kokomo (host), Lafayette Jeff and Logansport

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Alantae Crawford (11.7) Rebounding: Clint Thayer (4.6) Assists: Crawford (2.1) Steals: Crawford (1.5)

Roster No. 4 12 14 20 22 24 30 32 42 44 50 54

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. JT Yocum G 5-5 So. Devonte Parker G 5-9 Sr. RJ Dixon G 5-6 So. Alantae Crawford G 5-11 Sr. Brady Knoy F 6-1 Jr. Jon Zanker G/F 6-2 Sr. Myles Bell F 6-1 So. Austin Price G 5-7 So. Clint Thayer G/C 6-2 Jr. Vince Hunsicker F/C 6-3 So. Juan Del Real F/C 6-3 So. Jackson Timmons C 6-4 So.

Last season Offensive average: 51.9 Defensive average: 51.0 The Mavericks experienced one of the strangest seasons in Rick Peckinpaugh’s 25 years at the TSC school. Center Ethan Peabody (14.2 points, 6.3 rebounds) was suspended for the season’s ﬁrst 11 games, and guard Nick Wittgren (14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds) suffered a broken foot and missed six games. Those two seniors returned in time to help the Mavs reach the sectional championship, but they fell to Kokomo in overtime. Another senior Peckinpaugh must replace is steady point guard Cory Rush (6.1 points, 3.4 rebounds).

Thayer

Knoy

ON GUARD It starts with leading returning scorer Alantae Crawford, who according to coach Rick Peckinpaugh, has improved more in one year than any player he ever has coached. Crawford is quicker and stronger and has improved his outside game. Crawford shoots the 3-pointer well and will be a difﬁcult player to defend. Crawford will play some point guard, but he also will play shooting guard and small forward. He is only 5-foot-11 but plays 6-4, according to Peckinpaugh. “He really is going to be a key for us,” Peckinpaugh said. Peckinpaugh said the Mavericks are in a little trouble at point guard, because there is little experience. At this point, Clint Thayer is the main player McCutcheon is looking to at point guard. “He is an interesting player in that he really is a good ballhandler and really sees the court,” Peckinpaugh said. “Being the football team’s quarterback, he sees the ﬂoor well and is a leader.” Jon Zanker has been hobbled by a knee injury and has not been able to practice full go. “The point is going to be by committee,” Peckinpaugh said. “That isn’t ideal. You want to have an established, solid point guard that you know is going to be like a coach on the court. It’s going to take time for us to gain that experience.”

FRONT LINE On defense, Thayer will be guarding the opponent’s power forward or possibly center. He will have to make a transition from offense to defense. “In my 25th year here, I don’t ever remember doing that,” Peckinpaugh said of the

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

McCutcheon’s Alantae Crawford works on his dribbling. role Thayer will be asked to play. The rest of McCutcheon’s front line is inexperienced. Brady Knoy, who did see some varsity action last season, should help at forward. Knoy is quicker, stronger and more aggressive. Knoy, who shoots the 3pointer well, should be a weapon against zone defenses. Sophomores Vince Hunsicker and Juan Del Real are vying for starting roles. Hunsicker is a solid defender and rebounder. At center, Del Real could be the starter. He has gotten bigger and stronger. “It’s very fair to say our front line will be a work in progress during the ﬁrst half of the season,” Peckinpaugh said.

KEY NEWCOMERS Sophomore guard Austin Price is a good 3-point shooter, and sophomore forward Myles Bell should provide depth. “Right now, Price and Bell are just really raw,” Peckin-

paugh said. “After that, I don’t know. We could end up playing some freshmen.”

OUTLOOK Protecting the basketball and avoiding turnovers will be huge for McCutcheon. “We can’t turn the ball over 20 times, which I’m concerned could happen early in the year just because of our inexperience and kids getting out of position,” Peckinpaugh said. “Secondly, we have to rebound. We’re not big at all. We also have to develop a third scorer.” Peckinpaugh likes his team’s ability to play together. “The kids I’ve got, I love them,” Peckinpaugh said. “They play hard and get along well. The chemistry is great. To me, team chemistry is one of the most underrated reasons why you can have a good season.” — Jeff Washburn/ jwashburn@jconline.com

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TWIN LAKES INDIANS Quick shots Coach: Kent Adams (159129 in 14th season, 229-234 in 22nd year overall) 2008-09 results: 3-19, lost to West Lafayette 62-46 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort (host), Northwestern, West Lafayette and Western

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Tyler McAchren (6.4) Rebounding: Kendal Glotzbach (2.6) Assists: Drake Danford (2.0) Steals: Niall Breedlove (0.8)

Roster No. 3 5 10 20 22 23 25 31 33 40

Name Brian Moore Sean Fite Garrett Howe Sam Johnson Niall Breedlove Drake Danford Taylor Elizalde Kendal Glotzbach Tyler McAchren Sean Gardiner

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 6-2 So. F 6-0 Jr. F 6-0 Jr. G 6-0 So. G 5-10 Sr. G 5-11 So. F 6-3 Jr. G/F 5-10 Sr. G/F 6-2 Sr. F 6-2 Jr.

Last season Offensive average: 52.4 Defensive average: 64.3 The Indians struggled out of the gate, losing their first five games. They also suffered an 11-game losing streak while going 3-19 and losing to eventual champion West Lafayette in the sectional semifinals. Eight times Twin Lakes surpassed 60 points, but won just two of those games, including one by forfeit. Prior to last season, the Indians had posted doubledigit wins in every season since 1996-97. In the four seasons prior to last year, Twin Lakes was a combined 57-36.

Danford

Glotzbach

ON GUARD Most of the varsity experience for the Indians comes in the backcourt. Four of the six returning letterwinners are guards with Drake Danford, Niall Breedlove, Tyler McAchren and Kendal Glotzbach all coming back. “When you want to be able to press and attack, which we like to do, that is important,” coach Kent Adams said. Danford started as a freshman last year and Breedlove, McAchren and Glotzbach all provide senior leadership. That could bode as an advantage since Twin Lakes lacks height. “We don’t have the biggest guys so we are going to have to condition and try to outrun people,” Glotzbach said. “We are going to have to ﬁnd other ways besides our height.”

FRONT LINE Sean Gardiner and Garrett Howe return down low. McAchren and Glotzbach also could rotate in as forwards as well as two others. “We have Sean Fite and Taylor Elizalde who will be playing our two post positions almost all the time,” Adams said. Elizalde is the tallest player on the roster, listed at 6-foot3. With a lack of size, the Indians know rebounding will be a point of focus. “We’re going to have to box out on the boards and do what we are supposed to do,” Glotzbach said. “All the small things to make up for what we’re lacking.”

KEY NEWCOMERS Sophomores Brian Moore and Sam Johnson played junior varsity as freshmen and

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Tyler McAchren is Twin Lakes’ top returning scorer. had productive summers, Adams said. “We are looking for them to contribute right off the bat from the guard position,” he said. “They hustle, they are good fundamentally and have a good sense for the game.”

OUTLOOK It looks like speed and willpower will be key for the Indians’ success. If Twin Lakes can ﬁnd a way

to rebound, it can be successful. At all costs, the Indians want to avoid another disaster like last year’s 3-19 record. “What happened last year we want to put out of our minds and start fresh,” Adams said. “We seem to have improved a little bit everywhere.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

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WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS Quick shots Coach: David Wood (187148 in 16th season) 2008-09 results: 18-7, lost to Gary Roosevelt 59-48 in regional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort (host), Northwestern, Twin Lakes and Western

Returning stat leaders Scoring: George Zhang (13.1) Rebounding: Zach Waters (4.0) Assists: Daniel Wodicka (3.0) Steals: Wodicka (1.1)

Roster No. 2 3 4 5 14 20 22 24 30 32 34 40 44

Name Sean Busch Jonah Green Phillip Smith Daniel Wodicka Thomas Fisher Zach Tudor Matt Peck Zach Waters George Zhang Jordan Leturgez Ben Thomas Michael Ooms Brian Ghiselli

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 6-2 So. F 6-3 So. G 5-8 So. G 6-0 Sr. F 5-11 So. G 5-10 Jr. F 6-1 Jr. F 6-4 Sr. G 6-4 Jr. G 6-0 Sr. F 6-3 So. F 6-2 So. F 6-2 So.

Last season Offensive average: 54.2 Defensive average: 45.5 The Red Devils went 18-7, including a sectional championship. After going 8-5 in its first 13 games that concluded with a 48-31 loss to Frankfort, WL closed by winning 10 of 12, including a five-overtime game against Western. The only losses in the final 12 games came in double overtime at Lafayette Jeff and against Gary Roosevelt in the regional. The Red Devils claimed the sectional title by avenging a regular season loss to Frankfort with a 43-40 win at Case Arena.

Tudor

Waters

ON GUARD The team begins the year with three players who have significant varsity experience. All three play the guard position in Zach Tudor, Jordan Leturgez and George Zhang. “They’ve got to be our leaders,” coach David Wood said. “The other five (players to start the season) have to follow effectively. There is nothing wrong with following as long as you are doing it the right way.” Daniel Wodicka will return as the floor general beginning Saturday. “I look for some guys off the football team like Jonah Green and Sean Busch to play outstanding minutes on the perimeter as well,” Wood said.

FRONT LINE Zhang doubles as a guard/ forward due to his ability to score in trafﬁc and shoot from the outside. He was WL’s second-leading scorer a season ago behind Matt Lancaster. Zach Waters was second to Lancaster in rebounds last season and also averaged ﬁve points. “Zach Waters is a guy I think is going to be a huge key for this team,” Wood said. “He got better and better as the season went on last year and I thought he had a great summer.”

KEY NEWCOMERS Busch didn’t see a minute of varsity action last season and will be counted on in the guard rotation this year. Tudor played in just 13 quarters, but will see a lot of action in the Red Devils’ ﬁrst two games. Ben Thomas will be counted on in the post in his ﬁrst varsity season. See DEVILS, Page 11

Sunday, November 29, 2009 | jconline.com

WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

George Zhang (left) battles Jordan Leturgez during practice.

DEVILS FROM PAGE 10

OUTLOOK Due to the success of West Lafayette’s football team in the state tournament, the basketball team will begin the year with eight players. “I feel like Gene Hackman in the movie ‘Hoosiers,’ ”

Wood said. But when the defending sectional champions get back to full force, Wood’s squad has a lot of returning talent. “We have a chance to be much better at the end than we are at the beginning and that is a really good thing,” Wood said. — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Boys J&C Hoops Classic

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Boys J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 29, 2009 | jconline.com

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