Litchfield has some size and experience to lead the way

With two starters back, Dragons prepare for rigors of Wright County Conference

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — The Litchfield boys basketball team will once again be strong on the fundamentals, team-oriented and a strong man-to-man defensive team.

That’s been a formula that has worked well over the years and the Dragons hope that it will them to success in 2022-23.

Two starters return from a team that went 12-16, including 5-9 in the Wright County Conference West Division. They are Alex Draeger, head coach Matt Draeger’s son, and Blake Aller.

Litchfield junior Alex Draeger fires a 3-point jumper over Annandale senior Hawkin Miller on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Litchfield.

West Central Tribune file photo

Alex Draeger is a 5-foot-11 senior guard who averaged a team-best

10.5 points per game in 202122. He’s a fine outside shooter who made 41% of his three-point attempts, going 80-for-198 from long distance.

Aller is a 6.2 junior guard who averaged 3.8 points per game.

Players to watch include: Jack McCann, Tyler Pennertz, Tucker Liestman, Garrison Jackman, Jacob Dietel and Gray Nelson.

McCann is a 5-11 junior guard. “Jack will play at the point and will provide some quickness and the ability to get to the basketball,” the coach said. “We look to him to run our offense.”

Litchfield sophomore Blake Aller goes up for a contested short jumper over Annandale senior Robert Olson on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Litchfield.

West Central Tribune file photo

Pennertz is a 6-3 senior forward. “Tyler is very athletic,” Draeger said. “He will provide some help on the glass and on the defensive end.”

Liestman is a 6-5 junior forward. “Tucker will provide some scoring punch for us,” Draeger said. “He should be a major contributor by the end of the year.”

Jackman is a 6-1 junior guard. “Garrison can play multiple positions,” Draeger said. “He has a high basketball IQ and will be a key component to our team.”

Dietel is a 6-1 junior forward. “Jacob will give us some post minutes,” Draeger said. “He’s a strong kid who can play real physical.”

Nelson is a 6-5 senior forward. “Gray should give us some rebounding off the bench,” Draeger said. ◀