The Lancer boys varsity basketball team begins its season this week Tuesday with a non-conference game, as they travel to take on the Two Rivers Raiders. Head Coach Scott Loberger welcomes back 4 varsity players from last year.
Senior August Hecker is the only returning Big East All-Conference player (2nd team) from last year's team. He plays guard and finished in the top 3 for assists in the conference last year. Fellow senior Ethan Menges, a 6'5" forward, will look to be one of the Lancer's top scorers this year. He will also be a crucial rebounder for the team. Senior Sho Fukasawa is the other returning varsity starter from last year, and senior Parker Vogt has varsity experience as well. The varsity team will consist of 6 seniors, 5 juniors, and 1 sophomore.
Coach Loberger predicts that Reedsville and St. Mary Catholic will be at the top of the conference this year. Both schools battled for the conference title last year, and both teams return their key players. Howards Grove also has two potential All-Conference players this year. Loberger stated, "The Big East North is a very talented conference so finishing in the top half will be quite an accomplishment for the Lancers. With returning both of our starting guards from last year, we should be able to control the tempo of games according to what suits us best each night. Turnovers should be much lower this year with the strength of our guard play."
"Looking ahead to the 2021-2022 schedule, the game on Dec. 14th against cross-town rival Roncalli will be a game to watch. Our goal will be to be healthy by then and see how we stand up against the team that is one of the strongest teams in our region again this year. Last year, the Christmas tournament turned into only one game due to COVID. We hope to have the Big East/EWC Showdown over Christmas break."
Coaches for the varsity team include head coach Scott Loberger returning for his 2nd year and assisted by Jeff Dolan. JV1 will be coached by Brandon Ott and student teacher Levi Stelljes. JV2 coaches are Pastor Norv Kock and TJ Schneider.
The boys' season debut is this Tuesday at Two Rivers High School. JV1 and JV2 tip-off at 5:45pm with the varsity game to follow at approximately 7:15pm. WCUB radio (980AM/97.1FM) will be broadcasting the game.
God's blessings on the start of your basketball season! Go Lancers!!!