Staff writer
Although the Centre boys’ basketball team improved its record last year over the previous year, it ended with a losing record of 7-14 overall.
Richard Idleman, in his second year as head coach, is hoping to change that this year.
“Last year’s team was able to double its win total from the season before,” he said. “Heading into this season the team again wants to improve on its record to experience a winning season and battle for the Wheat State League title.”
With the return of seven experienced players, including three seniors, the goal should be achievable.
Junior Cole Srajer, a 5-7 point guard, was leading scorer last year, with an average of 14 points a game.
Senior Dylan Deines, a 6-3 guard and forward, averaged 10 points a game and was the leading rebounder at 5 per game.
Senior Cole Methvin, a 6-foot guard, averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Senior Brendan Bina, a 6-2 power forward, averaged 2 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Junior Cody Svoboda, a 6-4 forward and guard, was 2 and 2 in scoring and rebounding.
Xavier Espinoza, a 5-9 sophomore, contributed 4 points per game as a freshman. C.J. Thompson, a 5-9 junior, is a returning point guard.
Others on the 22-member roster are seniors Alex Stika and James Spohn; juniors Austin Peterson, Bryce Brunner, Corden Minor, Max Svoboda, Tanner Peterson, Troy Jones, and Zach Barney; sophomore Tanner Wiggans; and freshmen Aiden Svoboda, Braxton Smith, Dalton, Stika, and Jensen Riffel.
Idleman said the Cougars will start the season against two teams that made it to state last year. They will play Central Christian at home Friday and Lebo at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the first round of the Herington pre-season tournament.
“It will be a challenge,” Idleman said. “We must work harder on the defensive side of the ball. Fouling has to drop immensely while working on our transition game.”
Phil Duerksen assists him.