Ke okuk Count y Va rs i t y Wi n te r At h l e t i c s 2013-2014 S e a s o n Pre v ie w
S p e c i a l S u pp l e me n t o f : Fre mo n t-Wh a t C h e e r V i n e , K e o t a E ag l e a n d t h e Ne ws-R e v ie w We d n e s d ay, De c . 04, 2013
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English Valleys Bears Basketball EV Basketball Pursues the Summit
English Valleys Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Luke Caster 2012 Win/Loss Record: 12-11 Returning Starters: Five By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
To say that the 2012 season ended in a disappointing way for the EV girls’ basketball team wouldn’t do justice. The Bears lost in the first round to an HLV team that won four games all year, but now each and every one of those Bears are back and have set their sights on 2013. EV’s entire roster returns this winter is will be led by a pair of juniors who are now in their third year as starters and their third year as difference makers. Forward Rylee Voss and guard Lauren Miller were two of the SICLs five leading scorers last year. Voss averaged over 14 points per game while Miller averaged 12.5, and they each bring distinct sets of tools to the court. Most of the time you’ll see Voss on the elbow and low block, but the 5’ 10’’ forward is also capable of hurting you from outside. Voss hit five of her 15 3-point attempts last year but did most of her work in the lane. Voss’s long frame and soft touch make her difficult for teams stop, let alone contain. Voss shot 44 percent from the field last year
Roster unavailable at press time [photo by Adam Meier]. and will score at will in the post when matched up with an undersized defender. At 8.8 rebounds and over one block per game, Voss brings great value to the Bears by plugging up the lane, protecting the rim and dominating the offensive glass. Miller, EV’s starting point guard, brings stability to the EV offense. A great decision maker with the ball, Miller finished second in the conference last year with 93 assists. Miller has a knack for letting the game come to her without forcing the issue; when the Bears need it, though, Miller can take over the game. Last year Miller made 33 3-pointers and shot 65 percent from the
foul line. Perhaps Miller’s most valued traits though, are her ball handling skills and ability to consistently break opposing presses. As a team, the Bears possess much more than just their top two dogs. Seniors Sam Banes and Madison Parmenter are proven scorers who drill open shots and rebound. Banes averaged 3.4 points per game last year while Parmenter averaged six. Parmenter’s length, basketball IQ and ability to hit the ‘3’ make her necessary for teams to plan against. Shannon Steffen, another senior, averaged only four points per game last year but has the tendency to catch fire
at a given moment. Allison Hewett brings even more length to the Bears. The senior will play a big role in relieving EV starters and will be called upon often given the Bears’ tendency of getting in early foul trouble. Taylor Harriman, Lexie Moore and Darian Blaylock may not play every game, but will be needed nonetheless. Chemistry, experience and talent is what this EV team is built on -- those are a given for this team; but for the Bears to reach the top of the SICL standings and make a strong postseason run, EV’s mental toughness will need to be in check. If the Bears can consistently play with smarts and toughness, the sky is the limit.
Bears Basketball Bringing an Edge English Valleys Boys’ Basketball Head Coach: Jeff Gordon 2012 Win/Loss Record: 0-21 Returning Starters: Four By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor The growth and improvement seen in the EV boys from the first game of last year to the final one was substantial. The Bears will look to continue that momentum and development and turn it into a successful 2013 season. This year’s version of the English Valleys’ basketball team won’t look much different from last year’s. Senior guards Brian Nachtman and Trevor Frazier each return. Last year Nachtman spent most of his time at point guard accumulated an average stat line of three points and two rebounds per game. A knee injury cut Frazier’s season short after just nine games. A healthy Trevor Frazier will give the Bears an additional ball handler and a potential scorer. Senior guard Kyle Allie will also be back after
Roster unavailable at press time [photo by Adam Meier]. playing in 20 games last year. Juniors Sam Schauer and Tanner Icenbice will hold down the paint for EV. Both Schauer and Icenbice came along nicely as the season went on and will only being getting better. Schauer averaged four points and three rebounds per game as EV’s most prominent post player. The undersized Icenbice brings a tough, scrappy mentality that translated into 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The two junior forwards will anchor the founda-
tion, while sophomore Kellan Coppinger will provide athletic explosiveness. Coppinger averaged 2.6 points per game and nearly four rebounds. Toward the end of the yard, Coppinger’s potential started to become more and more evident. The young guard put together one of the best games of the year at HLV in the first round of Districts; pulling off a number of impressive driving layups while displaying great confidence. The Bears also return nearly their entire bench from a year
ago. Casey Blaylock, Luke Ackerman, Adam Grove and Gabe Trimpe all return with varsity experience, as do Austin Decker and Ross Fawcett. A trend of consistent growth and improvement is what the Bears expect once again in 2013. There were a ton of positives in last year’s season ending loss at HLV, and should there Bears carry over those positives into this year and continue to progress, EV just might surprise some people.
Keota Eagles Basketball 2013-2014 Eagles Embrace Defensive Identity Keota Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Jenny Hobbs 2012 Win/Loss Record: 15-9 Returning Starters: Three By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Each year every team has those one or two games that seem like it’s shooting with a lid on the basket. When those cold-shooting games inevitably come, the good teams don’t let the frustrating misses get in their heads. Instead, good teams hunker down on the defensive end and embrace winning ‘ugly.’ Keota girls’ head coach Jenny Hobbs knows her Eagles will be ice cold from the field at some point this season, so to minimalize the effects of a bad shooting night, Hobbs has programmed her team into a defensive machine. “We say to the girls that you can always keep defense a constant; even if you can’t make a shot, you can always have your defense,” Hobbs said. “You need smart kids who buy into the system and who know they have to play defense. We highly stressed defense this summer; we played outstanding defense [at camps] and are where we need to be.” The Eagles improved steadily on defense last year as the season went on and by the end of the season were executing their pressing and trapping defense in suffocating fashion; helping the Eagles win their last eight games before being eliminated at Meskwaki. Guards Megan Olson, Lexi Sieren and Logan Woltering were mainstays of the Keota defense last season as seniors
Front to back, left to right: Kelsi Sieren, Brooke Sieren, Callie Greiner, Mariah Lyle, Abby Schulte, Cortney Hyman, Raigan Sprouse, Erin Chalupa, Grace Shemanski, Maggie Baker, Madison Sheetz, Hannah Reed, Madison Sieren and Sierra Lyle [photo by Adam Meier]. and will need replaced. That’s where Callie Greiner and Brooke Sieren step in. As sophomores, Greiner and Sieren combined to play in all but one game, giving them valuable experience that will pay dividends this winter. The energetic duo combined for 46 assists, 40 made field goals and 32 steals last season. Abby Schulte, Mariah Lyle and Cortney Hyman will also be a part of the team’s new contingent of guards. Aside from their relatively inexperienced perimeter, the Eagles will be a complete team. Keota returns its top three returning starters from a year ago led by the versatile Kelsi Sieren. Sieren averaged just
shy of 11 points per game while pulling down eight rebounds per contest. “Kelsi has to be one of the best offensive rebounders in the state,” Hobbs said of the senior. “She’s so elusive rebounding. She’s becoming more of a leader and plays hard non-stop.” Ranking second on the team behind Sieren last year in both points and rebounds per game was Madison Sheetz. As a sophomore, Sheetz averaged 9.3 points and 7.6 boards per game. Both Sieren and Sheetz are playing with more confidence and assertiveness in practice after their huge seasons last year, according to Hobbs. Expect to see Sieren playing both inside and outside
this winter. Returning after a sophomore season that saw her drill 45 3-pointers and average eight points per game will be sharp shooter Madison Sieren. The Eagles have solid depth at the post positions, giving them valuable bodies to help deal with foul trouble. Sierra Lyle, Bree Reed, Hannah Reed and Miranda Romoser should all see playing time this year; especially Lyle, who came on strong at the end of last season. The Eagles are now set to take flight and contend for a SICL title. This will be a fun team to watch and a thrilling season to experience, so don’t miss out.
Eagles Basketball Eying the Top Keota Boys’ Basketball Head Coach: Dan Stout 2012 Win/Loss Record: 18-5 Returning Starters: Four By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
There is once again a familiar feeling surrounding the Keota boys’ basketball team as the start of the season draws closer. The Eagles are going to be good again and folks know it. After winning four-consecutive South Iowa Cedar League titles from 2008 to 2011, Keota finished third behind Sigourney and Lynnville-Sully last year with a mark of 16-4. Now the Eagles have the ingredients they need to return to the top of the SICL. Three of the conference’s top ten scorers from last season return this year to Dan Stout’s squad. There are no better guards in the SICL than Keota seniors Luke Lyle and Kolton Greiner. Lyle finished third in the conference in scoring last year at 15.3 points per game and his 10.2 rebounds per game was the SICL’s second highest. A better outside shooter than his 28-percent 3-point rate suggests, Lyle finished the year with 29 made ‘3s’. Along with being a knock-down shooter that stretches opposing defenses, Lyle has the ability to create his own shot and finish around the rim, making him a tough matchup for defenders. Feeding Lyle on many of his makes last year was point guard Kolton Greiner. Greiner’s 64 assists ranked seventh in the SICL
Front to back, left to right: Tristan Roehrig, Jason Ree, Jace Uphold, Cole Stout, Zach Mousel, Paden Uphold, Jacob Wickenkamp, Derek Berg, Kolton Greiner, Justin Hultman, Nate Sieren, Shane Gibson, Avery Conrad, Nate Owens, Luke Lyle, Isaiah Hahn and Ryan Chalupa [photo by Adam Meier]. last year, but his scorer’s mentality is what makes him and the Keota offense so dangerous. Greiner was fifth in scoring in the conference last year at 13.3 p.p.g and he led the league with 56 made ‘3s’. The 5’ 9’’ point guard’s electrifying quickness in the open court make the Eagles explosive in transition and forces defenders to honor his ability to drive, giving Greiner cleaner looks from ‘3’. “The guys have a lot of continuity built up from playing together for so long,” Stout said. “They understand what each other do and how they play and they know how to run the offense. I’ve been excited with how we’ve practiced so far; we’re ahead of where we were last year.” Keota’s third offensive weapon comes in the form of
Nate Owen, who can score from in the paint or beyond the arc. Owen was tenth in the SICL in scoring as a sophomore at 11.8 points per game. The lefty also made 23 3-pointers and grabbed 7.6 rebounds per contest. Senior Derek Berg is the Eagles’ fourth returning starter and the ‘glue’ guy that every good team needs. “Derek’s one of those kids that does the dirty work and isn’t afraid to bang around,” said head coach Dan Stout. “He’s not flashy, but he’ll rebound and defend and play inside or outside. He gets after it 100 percent every night and loves to compete.” Berg averaged just shy of seven points per game last year and shot just over 50 percent from the field. Berg recorded 44 steals and also averaged nearly
four rebounds per game despite playing as an undersized post matched up against opposing big men. While Keota’s four returning starters are rock solid, the open fifth spot left by Brian Berg is a glaring question mark. Candidates for the spot include senior Justin Hultman, who played in all 23 games last year, senior Shane Gibson, Nate Sieren, Isaiah Hahan, Zach Mousel and Paden Uphold. Size and depth are going to be problematic at times this year for the Eagles, just like last year. Those two weaknesses won’t be issues in most of the team’s conference games, but when it comes to winning the SICL and making a postseason push, that fifth starter and the Keota bench are going to be critical.
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English Valleys Bears Wrestling Bears Craving More of State
English Valleys Wrestling Head Coach: Brock Moore By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
It must have felt great for Sheldon Ealy and Brennen Grimm to qualify for the State Wrestling Tournament last year as sophomores; what probably didn’t feel too great though, was getting beaten there. After losing his first match at 106 pounds at State, Ealy fought back to win his next two to stay alive for a third-place finish, until a freak incident between matches while warming up left Ealy injured and forced him forfeit his last two bouts to finish seventh. This year Ealy will move up to the 120-pound class to fill a hole in EV’s lineup and make room for a group of talented freshmen lightweights. At 170 pounds last year, Grimm won 29 matches and made it to State, only to lose each of his first two matches. Grimm may move up to the 182-pound weight class this season or stay put at 170. The disappointing showing for Grimm at State and the unfortunate injury to Ealy with keep them starving for a return trip to Des Moines to make things right.
Roster unavailable at press time [photo by Adam Meier]. Cody Seaton (138) and Blake Ealy (113) also return after sophomore seasons that saw them each surpass the 30-win mark. Seaton lost just nine matches last year, but one of them came at Sectionals against Highland’s Kody Wood in an 8-6 decision that end his season. Ealy also had just nine losses last year, but fell short at Districts in a 4-1 defeat to
Durant’s Aaron Bartenhagen. Junior Luke Jackson will wrestle at 195 pounds for the Bears, while sophomore Andrew Kerkove will be slotted at one of the middle weights; likely 160. EV’s already strong lineup will be even stronger this season, as a talented group of freshmen will strengthen the Bears’ lower weights even further. Freshmen Wyatt Olson,
Andrew Fisher and Clayton Morrison all have a chance to compete at 106 pounds, while Zach Axmear will take either the 132 or 138-pound spot for the Bears. The talent added by the new freshmen and the experience gained last year by the juniors will have the Bears looking like one of the teams to beat in the SICL.
Pekin Panthers Wrestling 2013-2014 Panthers Return to the Mat Pekin Wrestling Head Coach: Al Chapman By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
A 7-4 loss to Southeast Warren’s Ty Schneider at Districts last year in Pleasantville left Pekin’s Trenton Conger on win short of going to State. With Austyn Vogel now gone, Conger will likely represent the Panthers’ best shot of an individual getting to Des Moines. As a junior, Conger won 25 matches at 195 pounds. Fellow senior Brandon Baayen also returns with a chance to make some noise at Sectionals and Districts. Baayen finished 18-11 last year at 113 pounds and saw his season end at Sectionals. Scott Entsminger is also back for his senior season after finishing fifth at Sectionals in 145. Entsminger finished 10-15 last season and showed steady improvement throughout the year. 220-pounder Michael Hadley placed fifth at Sectionals last year as only a freshman. Hadley finished the season with a mark of 8-19 and will be a pivotal wrestler for the Panthers this year in their duals. A host of newcomers will fill in this season for the departed Tayte Schoff (132), Chase Earnest (138) and Austyn Vogel
Front to back, left to right: Mgr. Hailee Miller, Zach Buller, Clayton McKim, Brandon Baayen and Mgr. Allie Philips; Riley Brown, Tyler Copeland, Brad Beam and Garrett Light; Michael Hadley, Scott Entsminger, Trenton Conger, Matthew Bollinger and Mgr. Shelbie Williams [photo by Lee’s Photography]. (145). Riley Brown and Garrett Light are two candidates for the now opens spots. Clayton McKim will be the leading candidate to take the 106-pound spot, while Brad Beam and freshman Tyler Copeland will
hold down spots in the middle weights. An exceptional athlete already; expect Copeland to make a huge impact for the Panthers this season. Pekin’s first meet of the year comes at home on December 3rd
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when it hosts Lynnville- Sully, BGM and Sigourney-Keota. The Panthers will go to New London for Sectionals on Saturday, February 8, and their District qualifiers will then wrestle at Wilton on the 15th.
Sigourney-Keota Savages Wrestling
SK Wrestlers Ready to Roll Sigourney-Keota Wrestling Head Coach: J.J. Cooper By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Three seniors, including one State qualifier are gone from last year’s Sigourney-Keota wrestling squad, but two State qualifiers and multiple wrestlers capable of having huge seasons are back. Returning heavyweight State qualifier, Tucker Fowler, is back after a 20-win junior year. A difficult drawl for Fowler at State resulted in losses to Woodury Central’s Landon Paulsen and Panorama’s Garrett Johnston. Fowler’s biggest win of the year came in Pleasantville at Districts against Lynnville-Sully’s Shane Thompson; the win that earned him a State berth. Also back from a Statequalifying season is junior Cole Streigle. Streigle beat BGM’s Colton Massengale and Colfax-Mingo’s Dylan Albright to win the District championship at 170 pounds. At State, Streigle fell in his opening bout to Emmetsburg’s Nick Schany and was then eliminated by Alburnett’s Zach Hoyle. Streigle will be forced to cut a significant amount of weight to get back to the 170 mark, so the possibility of him wrestling at 182 is there, but unlikely. Last year’s 182-pounder, Noah Schuster, won 21 matches last year and is entering his senior year and will work to
Challenges Await TCM This Season
Front to back, left to right: Noah Boender, Chase Denny, Alec Schuster, Nathan Vest and Cooper Greiner; Lane Boender, Cole Streigle, Gage Greiner, Noah Schuster, Noah Reeves, JC Dumont and Jeremiah Green; Nathan Fritz, Chase Tremmel, Bryce Brown, Tucker Fowler, Adam de Regnier, Zeb Webb, Avery Moore and Tanner Bos [photo by Robin Handy]. advance past Sectionals, as he failed to reach Districts as a junior. Gage Greiner was SK’s 160-pounder a year ago as a sophomore. Greiner finished the year with a 16-13 record and fell short of Districts. At 138 pounds in 2012 for SK was freshman Lane Boender. Boender pinned Pekin’s Tayte Schoff at Sectionals but fell to EBF’s Jason Crosby and then to Moravia’s Spenser Stufflebeam to end him season.
Jeremiah Green won 32 matches last year at 132. The junior reached Districts but ran into a loaded weight class; falling to Pleasantville’s Trey Busick and State runner-up, EBF’s Blake Marolf. Junior Jake VanEe wrestled at 126 a year ago and finished with a mark of 13-15. VanEe ended the year on a high note at Sectionals by pinning Southeast Warren’s Tanner Flesher, giving him momentum heading into this season.
Nathan Fritz finished his sophomore season with an impressive 28 wins. Fritz’s season ended in disappointing fashion at Sections by getting pinned by Southeast Warren sophomore Jake Hunerdosse. Representing SK last year in the 106-pound class was freshman Chase Denny, who finished the year with a record of 4-7. SK will wrestle at Sectionals in Eddyville on Saturday, February 8, at Regionals in Pleasantville one week later.
2013-2014 TCM Wrestling
Tri-County/Montezuma Wrestling Head Coach: Scott Edmundson By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Eight key contributors from TCM’s 2012-13 Sectional team champion return to Scott Edmundson’s squad this year. Starting at 220, Ethan Bair returns after a junior season which he won 21 matches. Bair fell to Eddyville’s Chance Wursta and Wayne’s Tate Vandyne last year to Districts to come in fourth. 126-pounder Ryan Maschmann finished 16-22 last season as only a freshman. As just a freshman, Benjamin Edmundson won an impressive 21 matches last year. Edmundson met his match at Districts in a loaded 120-pound class, but will be back with added strength and experience. Sophomore Mason Garber put together a freshman season last year that was even more impressive than Edmundson’s. At 106 pounds, Garber finished with a record of 17-9 and placed third at Districts after a pin of Van Buren’s Tyler Runyon. Junior Josh Edmundson wrestled at 132 last season and finished the year with a record of 5-7. You may see Garber at 113 or 120 this season.
Front to back, left to right: Travis Lewis, Mason Garber, Josh Edmundson, Mitch Gibson, Tyler Meyer and Paden Maschmann; Robert Carruthers, Ben Edmundson, Kale Latcham, Ryan Maschmann and Hunter Foubert; Erica Stoner, Jacob Weber, Skyler Hartwig, Logan VeVerka, Tyler Thompson, Clay Harper and Ethan Bair. Not pictured-Zach Kitzman; Coaches-Scott Edmundson, Jared Hermann, Matt Collins and Austin Duncan [photo by Jamie Maxwell]. Sophomore Travis Lewis is also back this season after an impressive freshman year at the 106-pound class. 160-pounder Jacob Weber and heavyweight Tyler Thompson also return to the TCM lineup and will provide plenty of value to the team in duals. For the second straight year,
TCM’s squad will be infused with another strong freshmen group. Kale Latcham, Payden Maschmann and Tyler Meyer will all battle it out at the lower weights; from 106 to 120. Clay Harper and Hunter Foubert will be fighting for spots at the middle weights, with Harper coming in at 145 and Foubert at
170, along with senior Logan VeVerka. TCM’s Sectional drawl at Eddyville on February 8th has them matched up with the following: Cardinal, EBF, Moravia, North Mahaska, Pleasantville, Sigourney-Keota and Wayne. Districts will once again be at Pleasantville one week later.
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Pekin Panthers Basketball 2013-2014 Same Panthers, Greater Goals
Pekin Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Davis Eidahl 2012 Win/Loss Record: 10-12 Returning Starters: Five By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Each and every one of Pekin’s big-time contributors from a team that finished 9-9 in the SEISC North a year ago are back this season and they’re shooting to top last year’s fourth-place conference finish. Pekin’s three seniors: Jess Horras, Tiana Slaney and Sam Wright, return for their final go-around and will provide veteran leadership along with production in the box score. Serving as the foundation of the Panthers’ post defense, Horras led Pekin with just over six rebounds per game last year and ended the season with a team high ten blocked shots. The forward also averaged 4.5 points per game as a junior. Sam Wright’s role will be to provide the Panthers with an outside threat. Wright made 23 3-pointers last year and averaged over seven points a game. She will also serve as one of Pekin’s primary ball-handlers and distributor, as Wright led her team with 33 assists last year. One of the Panthers’ best on-ball defenders, Tiana Slaney, will be counted on to defend, rebound and pitch in with some timely scoring. Slaney averaged 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 points per game as a junior. Rounding out Pekin’s expected starting five are Madelyn Baker and Gwynne Wright. Baker, a junior for-
Front to back, left to right: Mgr. Jenna Swanson, Kaylee Linder, Shea Dahlstrom, Nikole Arendt, Aspen Clark, Taylor Reynolds and Mgr. Devin Dailey; Mgr. Hannah Robison, Samantha Wright, Chelsea Lanphier, Gwynne Wright, Payton Lock, Madelyn Baker, McKenna Gambell, Tiana Slaney and Mgr. Taylor Peiffer; Coach Davis Eidahl, Sloan Reighard, Cassidy Tolle, Jessica Horras, Beth Atwood, Bridget Fritchen, Kaysha Dodson, Shae Oostra and Coach Tim Bartels [photo by Lee’s Photography]. ward, averaged 3.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, which was second behind Horras. Baker also finished second on the team with 33 steals and brings toughness and physicality to the squad. Running the point guard position will be sophomore Gwynne Wright. Wright cracked her way into the starting lineup midway through the season last year and proved more than worthy of the spot. Wright led the Panthers in scoring nearly every game since being made a starter and finished the year averaging nearly ten points per game. The highenergy guard led her team with 24 ‘3s’ and 44 steals, while also doing the majority of ball handling for the Pekin offense. The Panthers also return a pair of talented pieces that
showed flashes of brilliance last season. Junior McKenna Gambell and sophomore Beth Atwood will bring length, athleticism and versatility to the Pekin squad. Before tearing her ACL last season, Gambell was averaging eight points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while shooting over 40 percent from the field through seven games. Gambell is back to 100 percent after her knee injury and will be impactful immediately. In 18 games last year, Atwood averaged 6.7 points and five rebounds per game as a freshman. With a year under her belt, the versatile Atwood will only be getting better. Also expect Nikole Arendt, Bridget Fritchen and Cassidy Tolle to contribute to what head coach Davis Eidahl says will
likely be a ten-player rotation. “This year we have the opportunity to become a very good team,” said Eidahl. “We have good jumpers from volleyball; quickness and speed from cross country, and a group of girls that work hard and like playing together.” One concern Eidahl has, though, is his team’s lack of a true post player. The Panthers struggled to stop their tallest opponents last year and may suffer from that again this season. But Pekin’s assets should far outweigh its weaknesses on the court this winter. The Panthers have great depth, excellent talent and the senior leadership they need to compete at the top of the SEISC North.
Confidence Not an Issue for Pekin Pekin Boys’ Basketball Head Coach: Ken Hutchinson 2012 Win/Loss Record: 15-9 Returning Starters: Three By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Heading into last season the Pekin boys’ basketball team had only two major returners from the 2011 squad. However, the new-look Panthers quickly came together as a unit and turned into a team that was capable of competing with anyone in their conference. Now in 2013, the Panthers return a majority of their contributors from last year’s 15-9 team, making them a confident bunch with the pieces necessary for a run at the SEISC title. “We lacked the confidence and experience to make an impact last year, but we have all but two coming back, so experience won’t be an excuse,” Pekin head coach Ken Hutchinson said. Only Graham Wittrock (16 p.p.g.) and Seth Jensen (6 p.p.g.) are missing from a year ago. The Panthers will likely start five seniors, with one (Cade Millikin) being a FirstTeam All-Conference selection from a year ago. Millikin’s 14.8 points per game-average and 29 made 3-pointers make him one of the most dangerous guards in the conference. Not only can Millikin flat out shoot; he can handle the ball and is excellent moving without it. Millikin shot nearly 44 percent from the field last season while grabbing four rebounds per game. Look for Millikin, along with point guard Petie Clubb, to create offense out of Pekin’s transition game; something the Panthers excelled at a year ago. Petie Clubb brings excellent ball handling, toughness
Front to back, left to right: Trever Northup, Christian Wittrock, Brady Donovan, Ryan Millikin, Jared Horras and Joel Swanson; Cole Reighard, Jeff Brain, Cade Millikin, Petie Clubb and Zack Conger; Joe Hagedon, Ryan Swanson, Eric Adam, Jared Bond, Brody Long, Keaton Winn and Kyle Mille [photo by Lee’s Photography]. and decision making to the table; three things every good point guard should have. Clubb finished fourth on the team in scoring (7.5 p.p.g.) and was second on the team with 103 assists; Millikin led Pekin with 122. Clubb is also a capable outside shooter when he’s called upon, as he hit ten of his 26 attempts last year. Defensively, though, is where Clubb affects the game the most. Hutchinson calls Clubb his “defensive go-to guy” and routinely gives him the assignment of the opponent’s biggest offensive threat. “I placed our emphasis this year on physical, mentally disciplined defense,” said Hutchinson. “We want to wear down shallower teams with our full-court pressure and physical half-court defense.” Coupled with Clubb’s ability to play excellent on-ball defense, the Panthers’ physical
frontcourt will make playing four quarters against Pekin a grueling challenge. Three senior forwards: Brody Long, Jared Bond and Eric Adam, will start and give the Panthers an advantage of size and strength against nearly every team they play. “I expect us to be a physical team that wins the rebounding edge night in and night out,” Hutchinson said. “We should be as big and stronger than most teams in our conference this year. Brody averaged nearly a double-double last year (9.8 p.p.g., 9.5 r.p.g.); Jared is our hustle guy and physical post; and Eric is a physical guard or forward that can give us defense and rebounding.” Bond averaged six points and five rebounds a game last season as a junior, while Adam averaged two points per game and shot 43 percent from the field.
While Bond and Adam provide physical wide bodies that will push opponents around, Long is both strong and possesses an impressive leaping ability. All three of the senior forwards are excellent rebounders and at finishing around the rim, giving Pekin a frontcourt to be reckoned with. Junior reserves Christian Wittrock, Cole Reighard, Kyle Miller and Jeff Brain will all provide depth for the Panthers, which will be key in giving the starters rest with Pekin’s highpressure style of play. “If we continue to improve offensively and defensively, and have the will to hold teams to single-digit quarters defensively, we should be able to hoist a conference championship award,” Hutchinson added. Get excited Panther fans. This wild ride is about to begin.
Sigourney Savages Basketball 2013-2014 Lots of Depth, Lack of Size
Sigourney Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Andy Harter 2012 Win/Loss Record: 5-17 Returning Starters: Four By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Andy Harter’s Sigourney girls’ basketball team has more guards than it knows what to do with. With the exception of 5’ 9’’ forward Jordan Carter, the Savages bring back a plethora of experienced guards. With so many guards and not much size, some Savages will be counted on to play as undersized post players. One of those undersized posts is senior Karah Appleget. After averaging five points and five rebounds a game as a junior, Appleget and her ability to finish around the rim will be vital for the Savages. Feeding Appleget the rock will be Sydney Davis, another of Sigourney’s five seniors. Davis led the team last year in assists with 45 and in steals with 28, all while averaging four points a game. Good decision making and timely scoring from the outside are what the Savages need from Davis this season. After hitting 35 3-pointers and averaging six points per game as a junior, Maddie Wood returns and will serve as the team’s most dangerous outside threat. Wood’s ability to knock down open ‘3s’ makes opposing teams rethink using a zone defense. The floor space that Wood creates will be best uti-
Front to back, left to right: Casey Cranston, Stacy Mohr, Mateer Strong, Emily Sande, Sierra Davis and Sydney Davis; Assistant Coach Lucas Meier, Brooke Schroeder, Courtney Herman, Jordan Carter, Cassie Leer, Karah Appleget, Becca Ohland, Maddi Wood and Head Coach Andy Harter [photo by Robin Handy]. lized by Becca Ohland. Ohland, an athletic slashing-type guard, excels at getting to the rim and pushing the ball in transition. Ohland’s ability to finish in traffic or find the open man, make her as impactful as anyone when she’s playing well. She averaged almost six rebounds and 4.5 points per game last year. The Savages’ lone true post player, junior Jordan Carter, is almost guaranteed to put up some good numbers this season. Carter’s great athletic ability allows her to finish from difficult angles and get to rebounds that others can. Carter also has great value in
the Savages’ press. Her long arms and quick feet make her excellent at deflecting passes and causing problems for opposing point guards. Carter averaged four points and four rebounds per game as a sophomore. Sigourney’s bench depth gives the Savages and huge advantage in multiple facets. Sierra Davis brings the most raw talent to the floor of any bench player. Davis averaged over three points per game last year and knocked down 13 3-pointers while playing backup point guard. Davis steadily improved during her freshman
year and has the chance to do so again this year. Juniors Kacey Cranston, Courtney Herman and Brooke Schroeder each add solid depth to the Sigourney roster, as does sophomore Mateer Strong. The four of them should see a good chunk of playing time throughout the season. Sigourney’s quality depth will allow them to bring plenty of pressure on defense and with its press, and it gives them insurance when it comes to foul trouble. Look for the Savages to take advantage of that depth and significant increase their win total from a year ago.
Proving Grounds Await the Savages Sigourney Boys’ Basketball Head Coach: Mitch Eslick 2012 Win/Loss Record: 21-3 Returning Starters: None By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Members of the 2013-14 Sigourney boys’ basketball team haven’t proven much in game time at the varsity level yet – but that’s because they haven’t gotten the chance to. The Savages started five seniors and brought two more off the bench last year on a team that tied for the SICL title and finished with a record of 21-3. Only Blaine Gretter, Kevin Weber and to a lesser extent, Shane Swearingen, saw meaningful playing time last year for the talented senior-led Sigourney squad. Now the three of them will not only start, but will be the leaders of a much different looking Savages’ team. Weber comes in as the team’s most experienced player, serving as one of the first two players off the bench last season. Weber averaged 3.6 points per game a season ago, while hitting ten 3-pointers and 60-of-69 free throw attempts. Weber’s role of timely scoring and scrappy toughness will expand in his senior season to someone the Savages will count on to produce and to lead. Swearingen, Sigourney’s only other senior, will get his chance as a starter at one of the guard spots. The lefty played in 16 of the Savages’ 24 games last year and averaged 1.4 points per game. A capable ball handler, distributor and outside shooter, Swearingen will team up with Weber as the senior leaders. “They’ve done a really nice job being leaders and stepping into their roles,” Sigourney head coach Mitch Eslick said of Swearingen and Weber. “They’ll improve more than they did last
Front to back, left to right: Denny Haines, Damien Beard, Zane Kracht, Danny Bechert and Will Magill; Kevin Weber, Jordan Albert, Nik Haas, Peyton Crawford, Shane Swearingen and Matthew Utterback; Colton Powers, Blaine Gretter, Colby Kerkove, Alex Stuhr, Curtis Klett, Kaden Bensen and Sebastian Tinnes [photo by Robin Handy]. year – there’s a lot of room for improvement. Kevin will have to adjust to being a marked man and on scouting reports and the same with Shane; but they’ll be ready and prepared. I expect huge growth from those two.” Aside from Weber, Blaine Gretter is the only Savage to play in every game a year ago; and he did it as a freshman. The very skilled and very versatile Gretter averaged 4.4 points and over two rebounds a game, while shooting close to 50 percent from the field. Gretter routinely displayed glimpses of his potential throughout his freshman season, but it wasn’t until Sigourney’s district title game at Moulton-Udell when it all came together in his first big time performance. A 15-point performance by Gretter, most of which came in the fourth quarter, helped lift Sigourney to the win and gave us an idea of the player he could become.
“The sky’s the limit for Blaine,” said Eslick. “Injuries slowed him down last year and he lost his confidence. He made a big jump this offseason by playing a lot over the summer. He plays really smooth and makes things look effortless. He can score inside or outside; the next step is for him to become a better defender. He’s capable of being a special player at more than just this level.” Two juniors and two more sophomores will supplement what Gretter, Weber and Swearingen bring to the table. Juniors Colby Kerkove and Colton Powers will be given plenty of playing time to show what they can do. Kerkove brings an athletic build and excellent size to the lineup that will give the Savages some presence in the paint and on the offensive glass. Powers, a lean and lengthy shooter, will work to find his role; likely as a
timely scorer. Sophomores Jordan Albert and Peyton Crawford bring two different styles to the lineup. Albert is an athletic slashing type guard who’s tends to play in streaks, but has the potential to catch fire. Coach Eslick described Peyton Crawford as a “bulldog” or “stopper”. Arguably Sigourney’s best onball defender, the strong and quick Crawford will often be asked to shut down the opponent’s best scorer and to make the open shot. It may take some time for the inexperienced Savages to settle in to the varsity game and become comfortable on the floor. It will be interesting to see what becomes of the unproven Savages this season. The opportunity to watch them grow and emerge as difference makers is exciting and makes the rebuilding process all the more intriguing.
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Tri-County Trojans Basketball 2013-2014 Fresh Blood and Returning Experience for TC Tri-County Girls’ Basketball Head Coach: Keith Kiburz 2012 Win/Loss Record: 0-22 Returning Starters: Three By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
Three returning starters and a number of quality reserves and talented freshmen will turn the Tri-County girls’ basketball team into an improved product on the court this winter. Led by senior post Kristen Lundy, the Trojans have an improved repertoire of athletes this season that will only make them better. Lundy, TC’s top returner, led the Trojans with 7.3 points and nine rebounds per game as a junior. Lundy excels at creating space with her body and finishing around the rim. Her length makes her a formidable presence in the paint as a rebounder and shot blocker. Megan Striegel, TC’s other returning forward, after 3.4 points and five rebounds per contest while playing injured for much of the season. On the outside, the Trojans return senior Sara Gragg and sophomores Emma Bair and Virginia Schmidt. Gragg was TC’s secondleading scorer last year at 3.5 p.p.g. and brings capable ball handling and excellent quickness to the Trojans. As a junior, Gragg was TC’s biggest threat from the perimeter, as she hit six 3-pointers on the year. Bair
Front to back, left to right: Sara Gragg and Kristen Lundy; Jordan Hartwig-manager, Emma Bair, Megan Striegel, Ginny Schmidt and Lydia Greene-manager; Head Coach Keith Kiburz, Jessie Maxwell, Hanna Acord, Katlyn Little, Michaela Lundy, Natalie Steinke, Mandy Clemens and Coach Allison Bjork [photo by Jamie Maxwell]. No pictured: Brook Glenn. is smaller and a bit less athletic than Gragg, but also has the ability to knock down open jump shots when called upon. Schmidt is also a capable outside shooter; hitting four of her 14 attempts last year and averaging over three points a game. Other valuable members of the TC bench include Brooke Glenn and Jessie Maxwell. Glenn played in 11 games last year as a sophomore but missed the rest of the season with a knee injury. Glenn’s long, athletic frame is her most valuable asset to the Trojans.
Maxwell played in 18 games in her freshman season and provides solid athletic ability to the lineup. Along with the improved health of last year’s injured players, the talented group of freshmen will be the biggest difference in Tri-County this season. Katlyn Little made her presence felt on the softball diamond last summer and showed flashes of athletic ability in volleyball. Little is an excellent ball handler with great size for a point guard. Outside shooting is still a question mark for
Little, but that will improve over time. Little physical ability immediately enhances the caliber of team the Trojans can be. Lundy brings great length and athleticism as well. At 5’ 11’’, Lundy will roam the paint for Tri-County and team up with Kristen Lundy to form a formidable duo in the post. The Trojans will be and exciting group to watch this winter. They will have their bumps and bruises on the way, but expect to see great growth from the Trojans from now to February.
Pieces in Place for Trojans Tri-County Boys’ Basketball Head Coach: Matthew Ehret 2012 Win/Loss Record: 2-19 Returning Starters: Four By Adam Meier, Regional Sports Editor
The Tri-County boys wanted more than just two wins last year, but if everything comes together like it has the chance to this season, the Trojans will be looking at a substantial improvement in their record. Only Justin DeKleine (3.1 p.p.g.) and Eli Schmidt (0.5 p.p.g.) are gone from last year’s squad. Six seniors and a trio of solid juniors return for the Trojans, including their top three scorers from a year ago. After leading the team in scoring with 9.4 points per contest, Austin Blythe returns as TC’s fiery leader at point guard. Blythe’s ability to get into the lane, create his own shot and finish around the rims is his biggest asset. Blythe also hit 16 ‘3s’ last year at nearly a 30-percent clip. TC’s most talented athlete, Nick Watts, put up monster numbers last season and will do the same this year. Watts was one of the SICL’s top rebounders a year ago at 10.4 per game. The long, athletic forward also led the team with 50 assists and 35 blocks and provides valuable rim protec-
Front to back, left to right: Luke Bombei, Dakota Thomas, Trevor Clemens, Joseph Haberling and Jacob Bombei; Walter McKay, Chase Sellers, Jake Brumbaugh, Dalton Ehret, Zachery Bolinger, Tyler Hynick and Bailey Davis; Lucas Ewing, Tyler Lally, Trenton Steinke, Nick Watts, Kyle Leer and Austin Blythe [photo by Jamie Maxwell]. tion for the TC defense. As a junior, Watts averaged 8.3 points a game and led the Trojans in 3-pointers with 21. Junior Jake Brumbaugh brings an element of toughness to TC’s lineup. The wellbuilt Brumbaugh is one of the team’s best defenders and also has the ability to step out and shoot from the perimeter. Brumbaugh made
14 3-pointers and averaged close to 14 points per game. Forwards Tyler Lally, Kyle Leer and Trenton Steinke give the Trojans excellent depth at the forward spots. Lally led that group with a 3.1 p.p.g. average, while Steinke led the trio in rebounding at 3.6 a game. The three of them will platoon in the post, keeping each other fresh in TC’s high-paced offense.
Guards coming off the bench this year will include senior Lucas Ewing, Trevor Clemens, Dalton Ehret and Chase Sellers. Luke Bombei and Dakota Thomas each received significant playing time last season as well and should contribute to the team. Expect the Trojans to be competitive in the majority of their games and send out their six seniors on a high note.
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While he works to protect our country, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
®
works to save his son from a deadly disease.
800-822-6344 • stjude.org
St. Jude patient, Aaron, with his father Lieutenant Commander, Scott A CFC Participant – provided as a public service.
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