CHS Boys' Basketball features veteran talent and some bright new faces for 2010-2011
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The 2010-2011 Yellow Jackets Boys' Basketball Team promises to be focused and poised to make some noise in the Black Diamond Conference. Head Coach, Robert Bell has a varsity roster of 15 players, all of which have been demonstrating good work ethics, attitudes and commitments to the program.
Bell states, "This year's varsity will feature three of last year's top players in Zach Lochhead, Justin Woodward and Matt Chandler. These guys have helped our coaching staff set the tone for immediately for the type of intensity, work ethic and attitude that is expected in practice."
Other key returnees expected to get big minutes include Seth Johnson, Brandon Young, Matt Heberlie, Chris Schwartz and Link Cushman. Lochhead brings back an average of 18.6 Points per game, Woodward brings 10.8 points per game and Chandler grabbed an average of 7.2 rebounds per game last season.
"It is one thing for a coach to stand on the side lines tell his guys what to do, but it means so much more when your players are leading by example, both physically and vocally", said Bell. The 2010-2011 senior in Chandler, Woodward and Lochhead have been given a tremendous amount of responsibility and to date have welcomed the challenge.
Bell notes that the threesome has been in the system for a year and that they believe one hundred percent what he and the other coaches are trying to accomplish on both ends of the floor. "We also feel really good about our other five key players so far in our rotation. We hope to be very competitive with our opponents this year with contributions from all of our varsity players."
The 2010-2011 varsity roster includes six seniors, four juniors and five sophomores. Seniors include Zach Lochhead, Justin Woodward, Matt Chandler, Brandon Straight and two new faces to the squad.
Senior Seth Johnson has joined the team this year and proves to be a potential threat for inside for the Jackets and fellow senior Devvon Rodgers, a transfer student to CHS, is very quick and athletic. Once he adjusts to the system he will likely help the Jackets significantly.
Juniors include Brandon Young, Matt Heberlie, Greg Rowald and James Brockmeyer. All four bring experience to thee team and have been doing a great job of adjusting to varsity life.
The varsity roster is rounded out with five sophomores who have had no trouble keeping up with the more experienced upper classmen. Members of this group include Chris Schwartz, Link Cushman, Caleb Arbeiter, Dalton Misuraca and Kyle Landon. These five newcomers have no problem making an impact on the floor and will very possibly see playing time at the varsity level.
The JV squad features 13 players including three juniors and ten sophomores. Juniors include Greg Rowald, James Brockmeyer and Michael Meyer. Sophomores include Link Cushman, Caleb Arbeiter, Dalton Misuraca, Boyd Miles, Reed Koeneman, Casey Venable, Jacob Cowan, Alec Weir, Kyle Landon and Trent Eggemeyer.
Coach Bell states that this year's JV Team will feature a different style of play then the varsity. "We will be looking to put a lot of pressure on the basketball and keep the game as fast as possible", said Bell.
The JV squad will maintain a ten-man rotation. Bell hopes to throw in waves of subs every few minutes because the talent level from top to bottom of the JV roster is equally impressive. Pushing the ball will be a key threat to wearing down opponents on the JV level. By putting constant pressure on opponents defensively the JV hopes to have much success in 2010-2011.
The Yellow Jackets are coached by Robert Bell, Head Coach, Tyler Search, JV Coach, Brian Bell, Assistant Varsity Coach and David Lutz, Assistant Coach. Managers include Chris Dudenbostel, Trenton Wagner and Christian Gray.
The Jackets open their season at the Murphysboro Invitational Tournament November 29 through December 4. Chester will host two opening round games in that event November 30 hosting Cleveland and December 3 hosting Gateway Tech.
December 7 Chester will open Black Diamond action with a home game against Ziegler-Royalton. CHS will compete in the 2010 Sesser Christmas Tournament December 27 through 30 and will host the Annual Chester Invitational Tournament (CIT) January 10-15, 2011. The schedule includes at least 14 away games and 12 home stands.